Logan Energy is heavily involved with hydrogen projects across Scotland and Europe, including refuelling stations, buses, construction vehicles, and distilleries. 

The Scottish distilleries powered by hydrogen 

Whisky is one of Scotland’s most famous industries. Yet traditional production processes have a large carbon footprint. 

Several of Scotland’s 148 distilleries are exploring the use of hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas, backed by funding from the Scottish and UK governments. 

Logan Energy is working with some of these distilleries including Arbikie Distillery in Angus.  Although still in the development stage, the plan is to use energy from a nearby wind turbine to power an electrolyser that will produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen can then be used to power whisky production at the distillery. 

Another example is the Cromarty Hydrogen Project, which could supply several distilleries in the surrounding area. This 30 MW wind farm could produce an estimated 20,000 kilograms of renewable hydrogen a day. Even larger in scale is the 70 MW Speyside Hydrogen project by Storegga, which could also supply hydrogen to local distilleries.

Reducing the carbon impact of shipping with green hydrogen 

Shipping is another industry where hydrogen could help to decarbonise operations. 

Emissions from docked ships’ engines or diesel generators can significantly impact air quality.  

A project at the Port of Leith is uniting several smaller companies to decarbonise docked boats. Each company involved in the project offers specific expertise, including wastewater treatment, hydrogen production, and port operations.

Logan Energy is one of the companies involved in this Innovate UK-funded project, described as the world’s first green hydrogen shore power demonstrator. 

Hydrogen boilers to heat Scottish homes

The H100 project in Fife will be a world-first. It will provide locally produced green hydrogen to power the boilers in up to 300 homes that previously used natural gas. This end-to-end green hydrogen project could provide a template for new-build homes near renewable energy facilities.  

At the Fife site operated by the gas distribution company, Scotia Gas Networks (SGN), a 5 MW electrolyser will be powered by a nearby 7 MW offshore wind turbine. The resulting green hydrogen will be transported to homes through a purpose-built 8.4-kilometre pipe network. 

Two demonstrator homes at the site are now operational and running on delivered hydrogen. The properties will be carefully monitored before the phased scale-up for the remaining properties, which currently run on natural gas. 

SGN is also collaborating with Fife College to establish the UK’s first hydrogen training facility. Here, trained Gas Safe engineers will learn the skills required to service hydrogen boilers and networks, so they can service the H100 project and other properties. 

Talent and expertise in the hydrogen industry 

Scotland’s globally respected universities are integral to the development of the hydrogen industry. Scottish universities offer crucial opportunities for collaboration, sharing facilities, and working with experts. 

Logan Energy has a base at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and is actively engaged in projects with universities across Scotland. These include the University of Strathclyde, the University of St Andrews, and the University of Edinburgh. 

“It gives us an edge,” says Craig Stewart, Business Development Director at Logan Energy. “And it allows us to quickly capitalise on new developments.” 

Amid a global talent shortage, Scottish universities produce thousands of STEM graduates every year. This builds a strong talent pool for companies seeking technical knowledge - a pool enriched by the existing expertise available in Scotland’s North Sea energy industry. 

This collaborative combination of academia, industry, and government in Scotland creates an ideal environment to help fulfil the vast potential of low-carbon and green hydrogen.