Carbon capture and hydrogen production to be focus of inquiry

The part Scotland can play in the UK’S drive to reach neutral greenhouse gas emissions and develop a new sector based on hydrogen is the focus of a new inquiry by Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee. future of green and blue hydrogen production and carbon capture in Scotland will be considered as part of the investigation, as well as identifying what further support would be required to incorporate the gas into the UK energy mix.

The inquiry comes after the

UK government set out intentions to back hydrogen production as part of its plans to create a low-carbon economy and achieve net-zero by 2050.

Ambitions laid down in its Net Zero Strategy and Hydrogen Strategy include a target to createfivegigawattsoflow-carbon hydrogen capacity in Scotland by 2030, making the most ofthecountry’srenewableenergy strengths and potential for carbon capture.

Thenorthseatransitiondeal alsooutlinedtheimportanceof the gas, stating the opportunitiesforgreenhydrogenproduction – made without using fosthe sil fuels. How to ensure a ‘just transition’ for the oil and gas industry will also be explored, aswellasensuringtheskillsare in place for a hydrogen-ready workforce.

The inquiry is open for submissions until 1 March.

Scottish Affairs Committee chair Pete Wishart said: “The net zero ambition and moves towards a low-carbon economy presents opportunities for all corners of the UK, particularly Scotland. As we identified in our recent report on renewable energy in Scotland, there are endless opportunities with wind and tidal energy.”