Speyside Hydrogen is Storegga’s proposed green hydrogen development at Ballindalloch, near Marypark, which is supported by over 150MW of established demand for hydrogen from customers across the Moray region and particularly the whisky industry.

The site at Ballindalloch comprises a 70MW capacity electrolyser facility and will produce 25 tonnes of electrolytic green hydrogen per day, supplying green energy to distilleries in the region and saving over 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. 

Our plans now comprise of one 70MW facility at Ballindalloch which has meant a 25% reduction in the overall footprint of the plant compared to our first set of plans, which included two 35MW facilities on the same site. The earlier plans were shared during our first consultation in August and can be viewed on the consultation page here.

Detailed layout and architectural plans are still being progressed, but work is focused on blending the facility into the local landscape and reducing visual impact. For example, buildings will be designed to mimic the architecture of nearby distillery buildings with dark-pitched roofs and white walls and bunding will be used to screen the site from the A95.

Our ambition is to honour the scale, scope and heritage of the existing environment across Speyside and Moray, and above all else to be responsible neighbours. More detailed and updated visualisations of the site will be available at our second consultation event in November.

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen within an electrolyser using renewable energy.  

The use of renewable energy ensures that the production process has a low carbon footprint. Our hydrogen will comply with the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard and can be used as an alternative to hydrocarbons across a wide range of applications including heavy transport and industrial heat, producing only water vapour when burned.  

The electricity will be provided by a grid connection to the local electricity network at Glenfarclas substation. Our power supplier will be required to comply with the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard, which ensures the electricity we use is from green sources generated with an emission intensity of less than 20 gCO2e/MJ.

The UK Government requires Speyside Hydrogen to demonstrate that all purchased power meets the standard and Storegga will be able to demonstrate which assets produced the power used in each 30 minutes of operation.

The proposed location for construction and operation of the green hydrogen production facility was identified through a comprehensive site selection process which started with 40 possible options for which the key aspects of proximity to hydrogen users, how best to route hydrogen from that option to the users including access to existing gas pipeline network for future use of pipeline for the export of hydrogen, availability of power and water in proximity to the options and the suitability for development of each potential site. 

The UK is a leader in the hydrogen market and has been producing and distributing hydrogen for over a century. Hydrogen is not a new fuel.

Like other flammable substances such as petrol and natural gas, hydrogen is regulated by international codes, regulations and standards to ensure safe production, transportation and use. It has been used in the UK for a range of industrial processes for decades and the UK has a strong track record in the safe distribution and storage of combustion gases.

We will comply with all regulations as required by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Speyside Hydrogen facility will be designed so that it is inherently safe with a wide range of safety measures incorporated into the design to reduce or eliminate potential hazards.

Community benefits from development projects typically fall into several key categories, each with a unique impact on the local area.

While community benefit agreements are not currently required for hydrogen projects or considered by the Regulator as part of project development in the same way it is for other decarbonisation projects like wind, we are considering ways to establish voluntary benefits that can reflect local priorities and enhance our shared space.

This list below explains different types of benefits that can be achieved.  

Biodiversity net gain is guaranteed with Speyside Hydrogen and educational and skills-based benefits, particularly around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, are important to us. On other projects, we have successfully collaborated with schools and community organisations to promote STEM education and create learning opportunities.

In time, your ideas and insights will be essential in guiding our positive contributions. We will keep you updated on opportunities to share your thoughts and help to shape our approach. 

Economic Benefits: These include job creation, training programs, local hiring, and contracts for local businesses. Economic community benefits stimulate the local economy by boosting employment and providing residents with skills that support long-term career growth.

Environmental and Ecological Benefits: These benefits focus on enhancing local ecosystems, as seen in biodiversity net gain initiatives. Biodiversity net gain can be a powerful community benefit by enhancing local ecosystems, creating healthier environments, and improving residents' quality of life. When a development project leaves biodiversity in a better state than before, it can lead to cleaner air and water, greater resilience to climate impacts, and green spaces that support both mental well-being and recreational activities.

Educational and Skills-Based Benefits: Development projects can bring educational value through partnerships with schools, internships, apprenticeships, and workshops, especially around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These benefits help inspire future generations and build pathways into high-demand sectors, empowering young people and contributing to a skilled workforce.

Social and Cultural Benefits: Social benefits enhance community cohesion and well-being. Examples include funding for community centers, public art installations, events, and recreational spaces. Cultural benefits may also reflect the community's unique identity or heritage, creating places that foster social connections and a sense of pride.

Health and Well-being Benefits: Initiatives like healthcare facilities, mental health support programs, or recreational amenities like walking trails, parks, and sports facilities. These benefits encourage healthy lifestyles and support the overall physical and mental well-being of residents.

Infrastructure and Public Services: Infrastructure-focused benefits could include improvements to public transportation, roadways, utility systems, and digital connectivity. Enhanced infrastructure can reduce travel time, improve safety, and ensure that communities have access to modern amenities that improve daily life.