Scottish Power explores ‘green’ hydrogen potential with fleet

JW Filshill is working with Scottish Power to explore the potential of using ‘green’ hydrogen to power its fleet.

The owner of convenience store Keystore says that the partnership could see more than 35 vans and lorries powered by the zero-emission fuel.

JW Filshill, which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the energy firm, would save an estimated 1,100 tonnes of CO2 each year by powering its fleet by green hydrogen and renewable electricity where appropriate.

Green hydrogen is the only zero carbon way of producing hydrogen. Renewable energy is used to provide the electricity needed to power an electrolyser which separates water into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be stored or transported to where it is needed.

Keith Geddes, chief financial and operating officer at JW Filshill, said: “Filshill continues to work towards reducing our carbon footprint and reaching our goal of becoming Net Zero.

“As a delivered wholesale business our fleet of vehicles make up a large proportion of our carbon footprint therefore exploring options such as using hydrogen instead of diesel are extremely important to us.”

Scottish Power has been investigating green hydrogen development and production since launching its green hydrogen business in 2020.

Alongside a number of projects, including bringing green hydrogen to its Whitelee windfarm on the outskirts of Glasgow, the energy company is working with a number of companies like JW Filshill to explore how green hydrogen can be used, alongside other green energy solutions such as renewable electricity, to decarbonise operations.

Barry Carruthers, hydrogen director at Scottish Power, said: “Green hydrogen offers companies like JW Filshill a zero-carbon fuel alternative that can support their business over the long-term.

“It’s an exciting time for green hydrogen as more and more businesses begin to realise the potential green hydrogen can offer them and we’re looking forward to working with JW Filshill over the coming months to see how best it can support their company well into the future.”