Latest news with #SecondHydrogenAllocationRound
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Continued support from MP with visit to proposed Selms Muir Project site near Livingston
The MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser The proposed site of the Selms Muir Green Hydrogen Project near Livingston was recently visited by constituency MP Gregor Poynton as he continued his support for the landmark clean energy development. Accompanied by representatives from Hygen and European Energy, the joint venture behind the project, the MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser co-located with the already consented Selms Muir Solar Farm. The innovative development, shortlisted in the UK Government's Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), would produce up to six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day and play a key role in decarbonising transport and construction across West Lothian and Central Scotland. Gregor Poynton MP said: 'This is exactly the kind of ambitious, job-creating green infrastructure West Lothian and the Livingston constituency needs. The Selms Muir project has the potential to power our buses and construction sites, drive us towards clean energy by 2030, and create skilled local employment in the process. 'I'm pleased to be backing this project in Westminster and in the constituency and will keep pressing Ministers to ensure hydrogen funding decisions are made on time so that this vital development can move forward.' The project team confirmed that work is progressing with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on final due diligence, and that discussions with potential offtakers including Lothian Buses, JCB and Wrightbus are already under way. By pairing on-site solar power with hydrogen production, Selms Muir aims to demonstrate how locally generated renewable electricity can support the decarbonisation of sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify. The development could reach Final Investment Decision shortly after a successful HAR2 outcome and be operational within two years. The project also aligns with the UK Government's 10GW hydrogen target and the Scottish Government's net zero commitments. The MP for Livingston has previously written to Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP to advocate for the project, and has committed to further pressing DESNZ on timeline commitments and support for transport-sector hydrogen in the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy refresh. Mark Evans, European Energy Vice-President for UK & Ireland, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Mr Poynton to the Selms Muir site last week, to outline how our proposed 20MW green hydrogen project can complement the consented Selms Muir Solar Farm to drive the decarbonisation of key sectors in West Lothian and Central Scotland. 'Having been shortlisted for HAR2 funding earlier this year, we are now working with DESNZ on the next phase of the process, and we look forward to continued engagement with local people and industries as the project progresses'. Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, added: 'The Selms Muir project is a key part of a long-awaited, nationwide hydrogen supply network and the visit from Gregor recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero. 'This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK's first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously enabling the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.'
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP backs green hydrogen investment with visit to Selms Muir project site
Gregor Poynton, MP for the Livingston constituency, visited the proposed site of the Selms Muir Green Hydrogen Project near Livingston to show his continued support for the landmark clean energy development. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Accompanied by representatives from Hygen and European Energy, the joint venture behind the project, Mr Poynton was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser co-located with the already consented Selms Muir Solar Farm. The innovative development, shortlisted in the UK Government's Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), would produce up to six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day and play a key role in decarbonising transport and construction across West Lothian and Central Scotland. Speaking after the site visit, Mr Poynton said: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP visiting the Selms Muir site in the Livingston constituency 'This is exactly the kind of ambitious, job-creating green infrastructure West Lothian and the Livingston constituency needs. The Selms Muir project has the potential to power our buses and construction sites, drive us towards clean energy by 2030, and create skilled local employment in the process. 'I'm pleased to be backing this project in Westminster and in the constituency and will keep pressing Ministers to ensure hydrogen funding decisions are made on time so that this vital development can move forward.' The project team confirmed that work is progressing with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on final due diligence, and that discussions with potential offtakers including Lothian Buses, JCB and Wrightbus are already under way. By pairing on-site solar power with hydrogen production, Selms Muir aims to demonstrate how locally generated renewable electricity can support the decarbonisation of sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Selms Muir site has consent for the solar farm and is awaiting confirmation of HAR2 funding for the hydrogen site from the UK Government The development could reach Final Investment Decision shortly after a successful HAR2 outcome and be operational within two years. The project also aligns with the UK Government's 10GW hydrogen target and the Scottish Government's net zero commitments. Mark Evans, European Energy Vice-President for UK & Ireland, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Mr Poynton to the Selms Muir site last week, to outline how our proposed 20MW green hydrogen project can complement the consented Selms Muir Solar Farm to drive the decarbonisation of key sectors in West Lothian and Central Scotland. 'Having been shortlisted for HAR2 funding earlier this year, we are now working with DESNZ on the next phase of the process, and we look forward to continued engagement with local people and industries as the project progresses'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP met with representatives from Hygen and European Energy who are jointly working on the project. Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, said it was good to get support from Gregor Poynton MP. 'The Selms Muir project is a key part of a long-awaited, nationwide hydrogen supply network and the visit from Gregor recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero,' he said. 'This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK's first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously enabling the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.' Mr Poynton has previously written to Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP to advocate for the project, and has committed to further pressing DESNZ on timeline commitments and support for transport-sector hydrogen in the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy refresh.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP receives UK Government response on Selms Muir Hydrogen Project backing
Gregor Poynton, MP for the Livingston constituency, has received a positive response from the Government following his letter backing the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project for selection in the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In a response dated 16 May 2025, Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Industry at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, thanked Mr. Poynton for writing in support of the project and confirmed the Government's continued engagement during the next stage of the HAR2 process. The Minister outlined that HAR2 is a highly competitive round, with 87 initial applications competing for support, of which only 27 projects across England, Scotland and Wales have been shortlisted. The selection process has focused on project deliverability, portfolio diversity and value-for-money factors, with particular consideration given to cost, scale, location and supply to hard-to-abate sectors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Commenting on the Government's response, Gregor Poynton MP said: "I'm pleased to receive this positive response from Minister Sarah Jones MP regarding the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. While the competition is fierce with 87 applications for just 27 shortlisted projects, I'm continuing to make the case to Ministers for this tremendous local project. Gregor Poynton MP is backing UK Government investment in the Livingston constituency. "The Selms Muir project represents exactly the kind of innovative, green technology investment that West Lothian needs. With its potential to produce six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen daily and support decarbonisation across West Lothian's transport and industry sectors, this project could bring significant jobs and investment to our constituency. "I welcome the Government's recognition of hydrogen's key role in delivering our Clean Energy Superpower mission and net zero commitments. I'll continue advocating strongly for Selms Muir throughout the process, as I believe this project demonstrates the deliverability, value for money, and strategic importance that the Government is looking for." The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project, a partnership between hydrogen developer Hygen and renewable energy leader European Energy, will deliver a 20MW electrolyser hub co-located with the Selms Muir Solar Farm. The project has the potential to power buses, construction equipment, and heavy vehicles across West Lothian, supporting the UK's ambitious goal of 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030. The project is now undergoing the due diligence and cost assessment phase, where projects must continue to demonstrate deliverability, affordability, and value for money throughout the process.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
'Positive response' from Minister to Livingston MP's letter of support for hydrogen project
Competition is fierce with 87 applications but just 27 shortlisted Livingston's MP received a 'positive response' from the Minister of State for Industry to a letter he sent backing the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. The project was one of 87 applications to the UK Government for selection in the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2). From those only 27 projects across the UK are shortlisted. Gregor Poynton MP received a response from Industry Minister, Sarah Jones MP at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, thanking him for writing in support of the Livingston project and confirming continued engagement during the next stage of the HAR2 process. The Minister outlined that HAR2 is a highly competitive round, with 87 initial applications competing for support, of which only 27 projects across England, Scotland and Wales have been shortlisted. The selection process has focused on project deliverability, portfolio diversity and value-for-money factors, with particular consideration given to cost, scale, location and supply to hard-to-abate sectors. The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project, a partnership between hydrogen developer Hygen and renewable energy leader European Energy, will deliver a 20MW electrolyser hub co-located with the Selms Muir Solar Farm. The project has the potential to power buses, construction equipment, and heavy vehicles across West Lothian, supporting the UK's ambitious goal of 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030. Gregor Poynton MP said: 'I'm pleased to receive this positive response from Minister Sarah Jones MP regarding the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. While the competition is fierce with 87 applications for just 27 shortlisted projects, I'm continuing to make the case to Ministers for this tremendous local project. 'The Selms Muir project represents exactly the kind of innovative, green technology investment that West Lothian needs. With its potential to produce six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen daily and support decarbonisation across West Lothian's transport and industry sectors, this project could bring significant jobs and investment to our constituency. 'I welcome the government's recognition of hydrogen's key role in delivering our Clean Energy Superpower mission and net zero commitments. I'll continue advocating strongly for Selms Muir throughout the process, as I believe this project demonstrates the deliverability, value for money, and strategic importance that the government is looking for.' The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project is now undergoing the due diligence and cost assessment phase, where projects must continue to demonstrate deliverability, affordability, and value for money throughout the process.
