Scottish tidal stream energy company Nova Innovation said today it is leading a consortium that will consider the possibility of producing green hydrogen and oxygen with electricity from the company’s projects in Shetland.
Nova, in partnership with The University of Strathclyde, Shetland Islands Council and Ricardo Energy, will seek potential markets for both the hydrogen and oxygen produced from tidal-powered electrolysis under the GHOST Project (Green Hydrogen and Oxygen Supply from Tidal Energy).
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This project, funded by the Scottish government’s Emerging Energy Technologies Fund – Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, will assess the potential for tidal energy projects around the island of Yell to deliver predictable power for the operation of electrolysers in Shetland.
Nova operates the world’s first offshore tidal array in Bluemull Sound, to the north of Yell, and is meanwhile developing a 15-MW project in Yell Sound. The company pointed out that it already uses oxygen in aquaculture but in addition to that, the by-product of the electrolysis process could potentially be used in the Saxavord Space Centre on the neighbouring island of Unst to create a 100% renewable rocket fuel.
“We are delighted to be involved in this innovative project, which aligns perfectly with our aspiration to create Europe’s leading sustainable spaceport and look forward to supporting Nova and the team,” said Frank Strang, CEO of SaxaVord Spaceport.