SHFCA member SSE Renewables has today released details for 2000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen production at their existing Gordonbush Wind Farm, near Brora in the Highlands of Scotland. The proposed development consists of a green hydrogen production facility and a battery storage system which will be located within the existing infrastructure of their 110MW Gordonbush Wind Farm. During peak production it is anticipated that approximately 8 tonnes of green hydrogen would be produced per day.
SSE Renewables is submitting a screening request to The Highland Council to consider plans for this proposed Hydrogen Production Plant, which would be co-located at Gordonbush Wind Farm, 2km north-west of Brora. Gordonbush wind farm has 110MW of generation capacity from 50 wind turbines. At this stage the detailed design of these elements has not been fully developed and a level of refinement of the scheme is expected prior to submission of the planning application.
SSE Gordonbush 110 MW Wind Farm near Brora, Scottish Highlands (photo credit: SSE Renewables).
Under these new plans, the Green Hydrogen would be produced by SSE Renewables at Gordonbush wind farm using Siemens Gamesa’s Renewable Hydrogen Upgrade solution. The initial indicative layout can be viewed here. The development includes modular electrolysis units; fixed Hydrogen storage; hydrogen storage tube trailers; auxiliary process plant; dispenser units to fill the tube trailers; infrastructure for water supply and treatment; internal access roads; foundations and hardstandings (including construction of site drainage); perimeter security fencing; and security lighting. The platform would reuse the existing infrastructure wherever possible, including the existing access tracks.
The proposed Gordonbush development would also include a battery energy storage system which would be capable of storing any surplus, or constrained, renewable energy produced by the wind farm at times of excess wind on the electrical grid. This would allow such excess green energy to be stored in batteries for possible later use, including the potential to power the electrolyser for green hydrogen production or to dispatch to the national grid at times when the wind is not blowing. There would be approximately 16 containers located within the BESS compound and these would house battery cells and control system. An underground cable connection would connect the BESS to the main electrical busbar of the existing Wind Farm substation.
SSE Renewables have also submitted an application for a Hazardous Substance Consent from the Hazardous Substance Authority (HSA) which, similar to a planning consent, is required for both the production and storage of hydrogen. The production and storage of hydrogen is closely regulated to ensure high levels of safety are adhered to at all times. This is through the design, installation, operations and transportation processes. During this application the HSA will liaise with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and The Highland Council, to consider the hazards and risks which the development may present to the surrounding area and consider the proposed development location.
In addition to the Hazardous Substance Consent, SSE have also submitted notification for Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) to obtain a COMAH License. These regulations ensure continuously high safety standards are adhered to when undertaking the production and storage of hydrogen. This application will determine whether our safety measures meet the COMAH regulations sufficiently during the construction and operation of the facility.
SSE Renewables has also supported the communities in East Sutherland area as a developer, constructor and operator of important assets across the region. As part of community benefits the Gordonbush Community Fund and Gordonbush Extension Community Fund have supported initiatives aimed at improving skills and training opportunities, social care, and sustainable tourism.