Livingston hydrogen energy project is shortlisted for government funding

Selms Muir is one of 27 innovative schemes across the UK to progress to the next stage

Selms Muir Hydrogen Project in Livingston has been shortlisted UK Government funding.

The funding, through the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), has been described by Gregor Poynton MP as a “game-changing opportunity” for the local economy and Scotland’s clean energy ambitions.

The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project is one of 27 innovative hydrogen schemes across the UK to progress to the next stage of the government’s flagship HAR2 programme.

The Livingston hydrogen scheme is a collaboration between Hygen, a leading developer in the UK, and European Energy, a global developer of renewable power.

If successful, the Selms Muir project will deliver a 20MW electrolyser hub, capable of producing six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day, with the potential to power buses, construction equipment, and heavy vehicles across West Lothian and beyond.

The site will be co-located with the Selms Muir Solar Farm, an 18MW facility already granted planning permission in 2022. The combined energy hub is expected to displace over 420,000 tonnes of CO₂ over its 40-year lifespan, which would make a significant contribution to Scotland’s net zero targets.

Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, said: “Today’s announcement recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero.

“This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK’s first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously developing the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.”

Mark Evans Vice President and Head of UK and Ireland in European Energy, said: “We are expanding to add hydrogen production to our solar, wind and battery storage activities in the UK. With our expertise from the sector in Denmark, we believe that there is also a business case for green hydrogen production in the UK.”

Gregor Poynton MP for Livingston welcomed the news of the shortlisting for funding.

He said: “Being shortlisted for funding is a real boost for the Livingston constituency and a real vote of confidence in West Lothian’s role in Scotland’s clean energy future. The shortlisting of the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project is a game-changing opportunity—not just to cut emissions and tackle the climate emergency, but to create skilled jobs, attract long-term investment, and help re-industrialise our communities with clean, green technologies.

“This project puts the Livingston constituency at the heart of Scotland’s hydrogen revolution, working in tandem with solar power to help build a resilient, low-carbon economy. I look forward to working with local partners, government, and industry to make this vision a reality.”

The HAR2 programme, managed by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, forms part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change and ambition to have up to 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production by 2030—at least half of which will be green hydrogen.

If awarded final funding, the Selms Muir project could contribute significantly to that target while delivering jobs for engineers, welders, pipefitters, and technicians in West Lothian and the wider Scottish economy.

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