Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility
Protium is advancing the Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility (CGHPF): a flagship 15MW green hydrogen electrolysis facility located in Alness, near Inverness.
By harnessing local renewable energy to produce clean fuel, Cromarty will decarbonise off-grid generators, heavy transport, and regional industry across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire. Supported under the UK Government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model (HAR1)—the only project in Scotland with a contract for difference —Cromarty delivers affordable, home-grown green energy that keeps economic value right here in the region.
For Potential Offtakers
Future-Proofing Operations with Highland-Produced Green Hydrogen
Whether you operate a world-renowned whisky distillery, a local craft brewery, a heavy logistics fleet, or off-grid industrial equipment, the Cromarty project offers a secure, continuous, and locally produced supply of zero-emission fuel.
Why Partner with Protium at Cromarty?
- Decarbonise High-Heat Processes: Replace fossil fuels in thermal and high-temperature industrial processes without sacrificing performance or operational reliability.
- Transition Heavy Transport & Off-Grid Power: Eliminate diesel dependency across haulage, bus fleets, and remote site generators with zero-emission green hydrogen.
- Price Stability & Energy Independence: Protect your business from volatile global fossil fuel markets by sourcing home-grown Scottish energy.
- Tailored Offtake Agreements: We work closely with commercial and industrial partners to structure flexible fuel supply solutions suited to your operational needs.
Ready to decarbonise your business?
Partner with us to secure your green fuel supply and lead the transition to net zero.
For Local Authorities & Community Stakeholders
A ‘Just Transition’: Driving Local Wealth & Economic Resilience
Protium is committed to ensuring that the shift to net zero is fair, inclusive, and delivers lasting social, economic and environmental value. The Cromarty project has been designed to minimise visual impact, operational noise, and local traffic, while maximising local investment.
Our Community Engagement Strategy focuses on four core pillars to deliver a Just Transition and support the local economy:
High-Skilled Local Careers
Creating approximately 30 permanent green-collar roles and apprenticeships, offering clear, long-term career pathways for young people in their home communities, driving green job growth in every postcode.
Local Procurement
First
Prioritising Highland contractors, logistics providers, and supply chain partners throughout development, construction, and operation.
Community Benefits Scheme
Direct financial and strategic investment aligned with the socio-economic and environmental priorities of the region. Focussing on projects and initiatives that matter most to this community e.g. Capercaillie restoration, as well as enhancing local biodiversity net gain.
Education & Youth Outreach
Partnering with local universities, schools and businesses to deliver green skills training, research projects, STEM workshops, & site visits, in an emerging green tech sector.
Engaged Stakeholders & Community Partners
We actively consult and collaborate with regional representatives to ensure we align our development with local priorities, including:
- Ardross Community Council
- Edderton Community Council
- Kilmuir and Logie Easter Community Council
- The Highland Council (THC)
- Social Value Charter
- Skills Development Scotland
Cromarty at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Alness, Inverness (Highlands) |
| Capacity | 15MW Green Hydrogen Electrolysis |
| Status | Planning Permission Granted. Active development (Acquired by Protium from Storegga) |
| Funding Benchmark | Scotland’s only HAR1-supported green hydrogen project |
| Primary Markets | Distilleries, breweries, heavy transport, off-grid generators |
| Regional Vision | Cornerstone of Protium’s Scottish expansion (alongside Speyside & Islay) |
Public, Media & Resident Portal
This section provides clear, transparent information for local residents, community members, and media representatives. To download our Cromarty Green Hydrogen project FAQ, that addresses specific questions raised by the community; click here.
General & Project Background
Harnessing 15MW of green hydrogen electrolysis to transform local industry. From supplying clean thermal heat to world-renowned whisky distilleries and local breweries, to displacing fossil fuels in heavy transport and off-grid operations, we are powering a zero-carbon future across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire.
The project is being developed by Protium, one of the UK’s leading green hydrogen energy companies. Cromarty was strategically acquired from Storegga and represents a cornerstone of Protium’s long-term growth strategy in Scotland.
Cromarty was selected under the UK Government’s first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1). This backing provides financial support that makes green hydrogen commercially viable and affordable for local businesses, ensuring the economic benefit remains in the Highlands.
Local Environment & Community Impact
No. The site has been carefully planned to ensure strict noise control, minimal visual impact, and low operational traffic volumes once running. Standard transport protocols will be used during construction to keep disruption to local roads to a minimum.
By replacing diesel generators, fossil-fuelled industrial boilers, and heavy transport fuels with zero-emission hydrogen, the project directly reduces local carbon emissions and harmful air pollutants across Highland towns and highways.
Protium is establishing a dedicated community benefits scheme in collaboration with local community councils and The Highland Council to ensure it delivers meaningful, locally tailored benefits. The scheme will support community priorities by funding local initiatives, partnering with environmental projects, and delivering social value programmes, including educational workshops in local schools.
Safety & Operations
Yes. Green hydrogen production is subject to rigorous UK safety regulations, environmental standards, and planning controls. Protium employs industry-leading safety infrastructure, monitoring systems, and operational protocols across all its developments.
Media & Press Inquiries
For official announcements, project updates, and media enquiries, please visit our news section or contact our communications team directly.
Timeline, Next Steps
Cromarty is progressing through planning, commercial and procurement milestones on an integrated pathway toward a Final Investment Decision in December 2026 and the start of commercial operations in 2029. These milestones remain indicative and are subject to change as the project progresses.
- August 2026 – Planning application before the Planning Committee for determination on the 5th August 2026, permission granted.
- Now > December 2026 – Development continues, with a focus on value engineering
- December 2026 – Final Investment Decision
- 2027-2028 – Construction
- 2028 – Commisioning: Targeted to complete end of 2028
- 2029 – Operations: Commercial operations targeted from Q1 2029. First hydrogen deliveries to regional customers
Get in Touch
Planning Application accessed via The Highland Council portal
Whether you are a Highland business looking to future-proof your energy supply, a regional contractor, a local authority representative, or a resident with a question, we want to hear from you.