This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Support for clean energy schemes
26/03/2007
Six projects that will develop new technology for the energy industry have been given a funding boost of over £1 million, it was announced today.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen revealed details of the successful projects that will receive funding through the Scottish Renewable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Support Scheme.
Visiting one of the projects at St Andrews University, Mr Stephen said:
"Last year I announced £1.5 million to develop new technology for the energy industry. Today I am glad to confirm details of the initiatives that will now move forward.
"I am giving strong support for innovative companies like St Andrews Fuel Cells as we position Scotland to become the European powerhouse of clean, green energy.
"This investment in new technology is not just about tackling climate change. The development of hydrogen and fuel cells could give a significant boost for job creation and economic growth.
"Hydrogen and fuel cells are part of the future of the renewables industry. The Hydrogen Energy Group estimates that the sector has the potential to net #500 million for the Scottish economy and support 10,000 jobs.
"I am glad to see Scottish-based companies seizing this opportunity to help fulfil the vision of a clean, green and prosperous Scotland."
Successful bidders for a share of the Renewable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Support Scheme are:
Western Isles Council H2 SEED - project will install an electrolyser in the Creed Waste Management facility to produce hydrogen from biogas. This will be used to power the facility and several hydrogen cars on the Isle of Lewis.
Grant: £250,000
TUV NEL - project will install a fuel cell and electrolyser at Myers Hill wind turbine test site, near East Kilbride, to demonstrate how hydrogen can be used to strengthen an area of constrained grid. The electrolyser will also provide hydrogen for a fuel cell bus at Whitelee wind farm visitor centre.
Grant: £250,000
Lews Castle College - will install an electrolyser in the college to create renewable hydrogen for their teaching laboratory.
Grant: £55,000
Berwickshire Housing Association - will install a micro renewable powered hydrogen fuel cell in a house in Ayton, Berwickshire to provide a constant supply of green energy.
Grant: £222,640
Sigen Power Tower - project will create a power management system to combine micro renewables and fuel cells in Aberdeen.
Grant: £90,000
St Andrews Fuel Cells - proposal to undertake further research on their solid oxide fuel cell for use with biogas.
Grant: £160,980
The Scottish Renewable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Support Scheme was launched in December 2006 with total support of £1.5 million available. Today's confirmed projects total £1,028,620 of support and there are additional applications which are still being processed.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device similar to a battery. However, it differs in that it is designed for continuous replenishment of the reactants consumed; i.e. it produces electricity from an external supply of fuel and oxygen as opposed to the limited internal energy storage capacity of a battery.
Hydrogen is not an energy source in its own right but an energy carrier like electrcity. It can be produced from a variety of resources like natural gas, methanol, or biomass. When produced from renewable energy, like wind, hydrogen has the advantage of being completely emissions free. Hydrogen can be used in three principal ways - standard combustion engines, gas turbines and fuel cells. Of these methods, fuel cells are the most attractive for renewable energy applications due to the high efficiency as well as the avoidance of pollutants.