The James Hutton Institute announces Green Cat Contracting as selected contractor to deliver pioneering renewable energy project
The James Hutton Institute has announced that following a competitive tendering process, Green Cat Contracting has been chosen to deliver the construction phase of its world-leading demonstration project HydroGlen.
The project aims to show how farming communities could soon become self-reliant, green-hydrogen energy producers, capable of generating all their energy requirements.
Based at the Hutton’s Glensaugh research farm near Fettercairn in Aberdeenshire, the project plans to combine the on-site generation of renewable energy (wind and/or solar) and a hydrogen system comprising an electrolyser, high- and low-pressure storage, a compression and refueling system and water purifier, with a battery energy storage system (BESS) and an EV charging station. It represents a significant step in decarbonisation for the farming sector, particularly for heavy duty vehicles used in farming systems.
A reliable source of renewable energy, such as green hydrogen, is critical to rural communities in a time of extreme climate change that has in recent years seen communities in the north-east left without power for days. The switch to self-reliant net zero carbon energy producers also has a part to play in combatting increasingly high levels of fuel poverty and in promoting climate-positive farming. In addition, Scotland’s agricultural sector is currently responsible for around 18% of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and so the scalable and modular nature of HydroGlen means that it can easily be adapted to other farms.
Speaking of this new partnership, HydroGlen Development Officer, Niamh Carr, said “The James Hutton Institute is thrilled to partner with Green Cat Contracting as our chosen contractor for HydroGlen, marking a pivotal step into the construction phase of the project. Together, we’re building a cutting-edge pilot farm-scale green hydrogen and renewable energy facility at our research farm Glensaugh in Aberdeenshire, driving innovation for a more sustainable future.”
“Together, we’re building a cutting-edge pilot farm-scale green hydrogen and renewable energy facility at our research farm Glensaugh in Aberdeenshire, driving innovation for a more sustainable future.”
Niamh Carr, The James Hutton Institute
Gavin Catto, Chief Executive, Green Cat Contracting, said, “Green Cat is delighted to be working with the James Hutton Institute on this important project. Green Cat has been supporting the farming and other rural business sectors to decarbonise for the last 20 years. Our expertise in renewable energy, green hydrogen and complex system integration makes this a perfect project for us – one that we look forward to delivering over the course of the next year.”
HydroGlen, which was awarded £6.2 million from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund in 2022, is due to be completed at the end of 2025. It will provide a demonstrator project from which government, farming communities and co-operatives, scientists and others can learn. It is hoped it will influence policy change; increase the number of hydrogen projects and provide technological development, skills training and green jobs.
More details of the project can be found Renewable Energy | Glensaugh Farm
