Sky's the limit for Methil's hydrogen ambitions
The week's opening of a "revolutionary" research and demonstration centre powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology is great news both for Fife and for Scotland, politicians have claimed.
First Minister Alex Salmond on a recent visit to the Hydrogen Office.
The new £4.7 million Hydrogen Office in Methil — which was officially opened by First Minister Alex Salmond on Tuesday — has already been identified as a "world leading" centre for innovation.
Derek Mitchell, project manager with the Hydrogen Office Limited (HOL), insists that tag is well-justified and said exciting times are ahead.
"The opening of the Hydrogen Office marks the completion of the first phase of this project and we can now start raising the profile of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies," he said.
"Scotland has the potential to produce far more renewable energy than it currently generates for all its electrical needs.
"However-because we can't control when we generate energy from some renewable sources-this huge potential is still limited.
"There is no need for such a limit and this breakthrough charts the future to realising Scotland's full potential."
Mr Mitchell insists there is little limit to the ambitions of experts working at the new site.
"Storing wind energy as hydrogen, which we can do in large quantities and for long periods, means we can then use this energy for virtually anything," he said.
"This includes in our cars, our cooking, our homes and offices. We can do this without generating any pollution or carbon dioxide and we can use this energy regardless of whether the wind is blowing."
Levenmouth MSP Tricia Marwick is similarly impressed.
"The Hydrogen Office is an exciting, innovative development for the Levenmouth area and I know Derek Mitchell and his team have worked so hard to develop this project," she told The Courier.
"I have given my support to the facility from the outset. This is precisely the type of exciting, forward-looking project that has to be encouraged and I am delighted it has come to fruition."
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker also had warm words.
"Fife's reputation as a hub for Scotland's growing renewables industry is getting stronger," she said. This is also great news for the local economy.
"Green jobs are key to our economic future and I am committed to helping develop the skills to bring such jobs to the area."
10.34am - 21.02.2011 Mike Stirling - Forfar, Scotland Report This
Fife is literally powering ahead, long may it continue! But what is Angus doing? The council is in the unique position of having the least amount of cuts, they could so easily up-grade their Methane capture operation with an AD plant to add more power to the grid AND save money on landfill Tax!!
02.49pm - 20.03.2011 W Renwick - Kirkcaldy, Scotland Report This
Hydrogen cars are deffinately the way forward,they will be available 24/7 where as the battery cars powered by domestic means are going to be a huge flop,they are play thing for the rich. Scotland looked to the future now we need to encourage those entrepreneur Scots to invest in Scottish hydro cars
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