Gordon MP highlights agriculture's role in 'green hydrogen'
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Gordon MP Richard Thomson secured a meeting with the UK Government’s ‘Hydrogen Champion’ Jane Toogood, which brought together officials from NFU Scotland.
According to the SNP, Green hydrogen has emerged as a key component of Scotland’s decarbonisation plans as an alternative fuel to natural gas and can be used as storage for other forms of energy.
The SNP MP arranged the meeting after meetings with NFUS where members – particularly renewables innovator David Smith – made the case for more recognition of the key role of on-farm production of green hydrogen, which, produced at a farm level, can enable farming and other rural communities to become self-reliant, low-carbon energy producers and exporters.
Commenting after the meeting, Richard Thomson MP said: “I know that there is strong interest in the farming sector to get involved in the potential which hydrogen technology can bring to the industry and also allow it to fully play its part in reducing emissions and I feel there is an excellent opportunity to harness that enthusiasm.
“Specifically, when meeting with the local NFUS, the view was expressed that the appetite of farmers to be involved in this new technology so they can play their part in reducing emissions and increasing efficiency was not being recognised by the UK Government. I have previously made UK Ministers aware of that view.
“However, Jane Toogood, as the UK’s Hydrogen Champion, was extremely positive about the potential which was discussed and really seems to ‘get it’ in a way that Ministers don’t.
"I know that NFUS are already following up on some suggestions and connections Jane has given them and I hope this can be the start of a recognition that agriculture and hydrogen technology have a big role to play in future energy and climate policy.”
Kate Hopper, NFUS Policy Manager for Climate Change added: “Tackling energy use on farms and crofts is an essential part of transitioning Scottish agriculture towards net zero.
"We wish to see energy policy that Supports energy resilience for Scottish agriculture and the wider food and drink supply chain and decouples our reliance on the current unfair energy system to protect food security.
“There is huge potential for green hydrogen, produced at a farm level, in enabling farming and other rural communities to become self-reliant, low-carbon energy producers and exporters.”
