Highland Council has granted planning permission to Protium for the Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility (CGHPF), a 15MW electrolysis plant in Alness, near Inverness. The north planning committee took the decision on Wednesday 5 August 2026, clearing the first stage of what Protium calls the Highland Hydrogen Hub.
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, administered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Scale and offtake
At peak output, the 15MW electrolyser capacity is expected to produce approximately 7 tonnes of green hydrogen per day. Target customers are industrial heat and power users in off-grid locations across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, including heavy transport and regional industry.
Protium says phase 1 is expected to create around 30 permanent green-collar jobs and apprenticeships, alongside contracting roles during construction. A Community Benefits Scheme covers employment and fair work, local procurement, community funding, and educational outreach.
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.”
Route to construction
Protium acquired the project from Storegga in May 2026, following the earlier withdrawal of co-developer Scottish Power, and retained the HAR1 contract for difference through the change of ownership. In June 2026 it entered a strategic partnership with electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power, with Cromarty as the immediate focus.
A Final Investment Decision for Cromarty is targeted for December 2026. Construction timelines are still to be announced.
The planning committee vote was not unanimous. Ten public objections had been lodged during the process, raising concerns about local roads, traffic and residents’ private water supply.
