EMEC sets up hydrogen know-how events

A series of events during September is expected to highlight Orkney’s pioneering role in creating a new use for power harnessed from the wind and tides.

According to EMEC, the events offer the chance to discover more about the ‘Surf and Turf’ project, which involves generating hydrogen fuel using wind and tidal energy – and then using the fuel to provide electricity for ferries when tied up in harbour.

The series of events begins on Friday, September 4, when the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) will host the ‘Hydrogen for Orkney Power’ session as part of the Orkney International Science Festival.

James Stockan, Chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: “This is all about finding a home-grown solution to a major difficulty our community faces.While we continue to lobby for extra grid capacity across the Pentland Firth, we need to find new ways within Orkney to utilise locally produced electricity.

“It will be a major milestone when auxiliary power for ferries is provided using a hydrogen fuel cell. I am confident that this will be the first of many innovative ways our community will find to utilise hydrogen produced using Orkney’s natural resources.”

As reported earlier, EMEC invested in an electrolyser that will use power from tidal turbines operating at its tidal test site off Eday to produce hydrogen.

The technology has been developed by ITM Power, specialists in energy storage and clean fuel, and is due to be delivered to the island early next year.

The Science Festival event will include updates from Kris Hyde of ITM Power, and EMEC’s Managing Director, Neil Kermode.

Neil Kermode said: “This is an exciting development for us. We will pilot hydrogen production using energy harnessed from tidal currents. Hydrogen will also be produced using power from the community wind turbine in Eday. The turbine’s output is currently constrained, putting a limit on the income it provides for the local community.

“This project will help unlock the shackles imposed by 20th century power cables – a great demonstration of how we can overcome the shortcomings of our local electricity grid.”

Later in September, the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA) will hold a two-day conference ‘Hydrogen Islands – Stepping Stones to Energy Futures’ in Orkney, EMEC’s press release reads.

A workshop will take place following the conference on Thursday, September 24, to engage with any interested Orcadians on the potential of hydrogen in the islands.

Neil Kermode and Kris Hyde will also be taking part in a public drop-in event at Kirkwall Town Hall on Friday, September 25 that will include presentations and hydrogen generation demonstrations.

‘Surf and Turf’ is supported by almost £1.5 million in funding from the Scottish Government’s Local Energy Challenge Fund.

Image: EMEC/Illustration