FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions

All
Location
Safety
Environment
Community
Timescales
The technology
Funding
  • What are the benefits of this project?

    The HyClyde Auchentoshan project will:

    • Help reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change
    • Help increase energy security
    • Provide local employment opportunities
    • Act as an accelerator for the decarbonisation of the Scotch Whisky distillery

    Based on projects of a similar scale we expect the project to support up to 130 jobs during construction and up to 8 new jobs during operation. We’re interested in working with Scottish SMEs to support their transition into the hydrogen economy and build a robust green hydrogen supply chain in Scotland.

  • How will the community benefit?

    We are committed to ensuring consistent and informative community engagement at all stages to ensure we understand and consider local expectations and concerns. We will also consult with the residents to ensure the social and economic benefits of the project are felt by the local community. 

  • How and when can I share my views?

    A dedicated project email address and phone number has also been established for enquiries: 

    HyClyde@bigpartnership.co.uk / 0141 648 5806

  • How long will this project be in construction for?

    Based on the current schedule, we expect construction to begin in early 2025 and conclude by the end of 2026. 

  • When will the project be operational?

    We expect the project to be operational from end of 2027 to early 2028. We will keep stakeholders and local communities informed of timelines as the project proceeds. 

  • Are there any further projects/works planned?

    There are no current plans for further works at the project’s site, once operational. The project will provide an innovative energy solution that could be scalable across the industry and with the potential to make the Scotch Whisky distilling industry a leader in green energy and technology.

  • What is “green” hydrogen?

    Green hydrogen is hydrogen that is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro or solar, through a process called electrolysis. The HyClyde project will use electricity from renewable sources to produce green hydrogen from electrolysis, which will then be used to power the Auchentoshan distillery.

  • What is the difference between blue and green hydrogen?

    The main difference between blue and green hydrogen is how the hydrogen is produced and the corresponding impact on the environment. Blue hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas. Producing natural gas causes harmful methane emissions during the drilling, extraction and transportation process. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, with no harmful emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. 

  • What are the benefits of green hydrogen?

    • Sustainable: green hydrogen doesn’t emit polluting gases when produced or used
    • Storable: green hydrogen can be stored long term, meaning it can be used later, as well as immediately after production
    • Versatile: green hydrogen can be used in a range of sectors, including transportation, industry and power generation
    • Energy security: green hydrogen can be produced domestically, reducing the UK’s dependence on imported fuels and increasing local energy security. 

  • How is this project being funded?

    Marubeni Europower has applied for UK government support through the Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2), which aims to support the transition to a low carbon hydrogen economy and incentivise production and use of low carbon hydrogen. If successful, we will seek further Scottish Government funding to accelerate low carbon infrastructure projects and unlock co-investment.

    We have already committed over £1.5m in development expenditure and following a detailed design study, we anticipate the project could attract between £40m and 60m of total investment

  • Where will the site be located?

    Auchentoshan Distillery is located at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills on the outskirts of Clydebank to the west of Glasgow, south of the A82. The project aims to design, construct, install, and operate a small-scale hydrogen plant adjacent to the distillery site. 

    Further information can be found in the Location and Layout Fact Sheet.

  • Why has this location/distillery been selected for the project?

    During COP26, in Glasgow in 2021, Marubeni committed to collaborating with the Scottish Government to accelerate the country’s decarbonisation through green hydrogen production. We have since initiated green hydrogen development plans, focusing on Glasgow as a starting point, as a testament to the commitments made at COP26.

    At the same time, Beam Suntory had developed Proof Positive Sustainability Commitments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations. A key part of this strategy is the decarbonisation of Auchentoshan distillery in Clydebank, one of the few distilleries in the Glasgow area. 

    Recognising the widespread benefits of this project, Marubeni Europower and Beam Suntory agreed to collaborate on the HyClyde project.  The project will also drive national and industry net zero targets forward, supporting the Scotch Whisky Association’s target to reach net zero by 2040 and the Scottish Government’s target of 2045, while also contributing to wider UK targets.

  • Is green hydrogen safe?

    Hydrogen has been produced and distributed safely across the UK for over a century. It’s non-toxic and only produces water when used, so there’s no harmful air pollution when it’s burned.  As with hydrocarbons like petrol and natural gas, hydrogen is subject to international regulations and standards to guarantee its safe production, storage, transportation and utilisation. 

    Further information can be found in the Safety Fact Sheet.

  • Do the project partners have previous experience in green hydrogen production? Has this technology been tested?

    HyClyde Auchentoshan will use tried and tested hydrogen technology, coupled with the partners’ expertise in the industry, to develop a sustainable and stable power supply for Auchentoshan. Marubeni is a highly experienced global developer of renewable generation. It has operated in the industry for more than 50 years, and currently has in excess of 12,000 MW of generation assets under management. 

    Marubeni is developing more than 20 next-generation fuel projects across the globe (including green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomethane and sustainable aviation fuel), and learnings from these projects will help to ensure responsible and safe delivery throughout all stages of this development. One such project is a commercial operation in South Australia, and another is the HyBont project in Bridgend, Wales.

    Suntory Global Spirits has also embarked on a journey towards hydrogen to through the WhiskHy project, in partnership with green technology partners ‘Supercritical Solutions’ and funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The project aims to develop an ultra-efficient, high pressure electrolyser, which would enable the distillery to produce and store hydrogen on site, powered by renewable power sources. It recently celebrated a world-first milestone by proving hydrogen to be a viable fuel source for direct-fired distillation.

  • Will the facility produce pollution or affect air quality?

    Green hydrogen does not emit polluting gases when produced or used, so air quality will not be affected. 

  • Will this increase traffic/road closures in the local area?

    Traffic Impact Assessments will be carried out for the proposed sites to assess potential impacts during construction and operation, as well as identify appropriate mitigation measures. Local residents will be able to share their views on proposals and discuss any concerns during public engagement exhibitions. 

  • Will the green hydrogen production facility be noisy?

    A Noise Impact Assessment will be carried out to assess the level of noise that will be produced during construction and operation, as well as identify appropriate mitigation measures. Local residents will be able to share their views on proposals and discuss any concerns during public engagement exhibitions. 

  • What other environmental impacts will the green hydrogen facility have on the local area?

    We will carry out a wide range of studies to understand potential environmental impacts associated with the proposals and identify appropriate mitigation measures.

    These will include ecological surveys, an air quality assessment and a flood risk assessment. More information on the environmental considerations will be shared in due course.  

  • I am a member of staff at the distillery, will the project impact my employment?

    No. There will be no direct impact on your role as a result of HyClyde progressing. The project team will host a dedicated information session for all distillery staff ahead of the planned consultation events. 

  • Will there be any disruption to the production of whisky?

    No. The HyClyde site is separate from the distillery site and there will be no impact on production of whisky throughout construction or operational phases.

  • Will there be increased traffic in the area throughout the construction and operational phases?

    Traffic Impact Assessments will be carried out for the proposed sites to assess potential impacts during construction and operation, as well as identify appropriate mitigation measures.