News
Local MP Ensures UK Govt Hydrogen Champion Hears Strong Case for How Agriculture Can Play its Part
Gordon MP Richard Thomson secured a meeting with the UK Government’s ‘Hydrogen Champion’ Jane Toogood, which brought together officials from NFU Scotland.
Green hydrogen has emerged as a key component of Scotland’s decarbonisation plans. Green hydrogen is an alternative fuel to natural gas and can be used as storage for other forms of energy.
The SNP MP arranged the meeting after meetings with NFUS where members – particularly renewables innovator David Smith – made the case for more recognition of the key role of on-farm production of green hydrogen, which, produced at a farm level, can enable farming and other rural communities to become self-reliant, low-carbon energy producers and exporters.
Commenting after the meeting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“I know that there is strong interest in the farming sector to get involved in the potential which hydrogen technology can bring to the industry and also allow it to fully play its part in reducing emissions and I feel there is an excellent opportunity to harness that enthusiasm.
“Specifically, when meeting with the local NFUS, the view was expressed that the appetite of farmers to be involved in this new technology so they can play their part in reducing emissions and increasing efficiency was not being recognised by the UK Government. I have previously made UK Ministers aware of that view.
“However, Jane Toogood, as the UK’s Hydrogen Champion, was extremely positive about the potential which was discussed and really seems to ‘get it’ in a way that Ministers don’t. I know that NFUS are already following up on some suggestions and connections Jane has given them and I hope this can be the start of a recognition that agriculture and hydrogen technology have a big role to play in future energy and climate policy.”
-ends-
Note: Photograph attached shows Gordon MP Richard Thomson (r) with North-east farmer David Smith (l) demonstrating his hydrogen-powered truck.
Back to All News