Highland Council has granted planning permission to Protium for the Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility (CGHPF), a 15MW green hydrogen electrolysis plant in Alness, near Inverness. The decision, taken by the north planning committee on Wednesday 5 August 2026, clears the way for the first stage of what Protium calls the Highland Hydrogen Hub.
The site — approximately 12km north of Alness, near Edderton — sits east of the operational Beinn Tharsuinn Wind Farm.
What was approved
The project comprises a 15MW hydrogen production and storage facility with a hydrogen purification plant, hydrogen and oxygen processing plant, and compression and cooling equipment, along with associated infrastructure. It is designed to convert locally generated renewable electricity into green hydrogen.
The Cromarty project is the only hydrogen project in Scotland to secure support under the UK Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1) via a contract for difference — an award administered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
At peak output, the 15MW electrolyser capacity is expected to produce approximately 7 tonnes of green hydrogen per day.
Company view
Kim McCann, Chief Commercial Officer at Protium, speaking after the planning committee decision:
“We view ourselves as long-term partners in the Highland economy.
“This planning approval is a huge vote of confidence in our approach: producing Highland green energy for Highland use. By turning the region’s natural wind wealth into a local asset, Cromarty will build energy independence, reduce reliance on global fuel markets, and catalyse long-term economic growth.”
Jobs, offtake and community benefits
Protium says phase 1 of the Cromarty project is expected to create around 30 permanent green-collar jobs and apprenticeships in the local area, alongside contracting roles during construction.
Hydrogen produced at the plant is targeted at industrial heat and power customers in off-grid locations across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire — sectors currently difficult to electrify, including heavy transport and regional industry. No firm offtake agreements have yet been announced.
Alongside the planning approval, Protium has outlined a Community Benefits Scheme built around four pillars: employment and fair work, local procurement, community funding, and educational outreach. The educational strand includes STEM workshops, site visits, and green skills programmes for local schools, colleges and universities.
Route to construction
Protium acquired the Cromarty project from Storegga in May 2026, following the earlier withdrawal of co-developer Scottish Power. The company retained the HAR1 contract for difference through the change in ownership.
In June 2026, Protium entered a strategic partnership with electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power to jointly develop and operate industrial-scale green hydrogen production plants across the UK, with Cromarty as the immediate focus. Under the partnership, Protium leads power procurement, permitting, downstream infrastructure and hydrogen distribution, while ITM Power is expected to supply 15MW of electrolysers.
A Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Cromarty project is targeted for December 2026. Construction timelines and further community engagement updates are still to be announced.
Context: not without opposition
The planning committee vote was not unanimous, with some councillors questioning the greenfield location. Ten public objections were lodged during the planning process, raising concerns about impacts on local roads, traffic and residents’ private water supply.
Protium’s operational track record to date rests on two Welsh facilities: Pioneer 1, operational since 2023 with commercial hydrogen deliveries completed; and Pioneer 2, a 2.5MW facility in South Wales that achieved first gas earlier in 2026 and is transitioning into commercial operations, capable of producing one tonne of green hydrogen per day.
