The hydrogen stream of the NPH began in September 2024. The NPH engaged directly with planning authorities and the hydrogen industry to ascertain if any specialist expertise or additional capacity is required for hydrogen projects they are dealing with or that are coming down the line. The NPH will then explore how best to source and deploy this expertise. Priority will be given to those proposals that have been approved at the HAR2 round and those anticipated to bid for HAR3.
We have also published a number of resources:
Insights Report: Planning for Hydrogen
This report from the National Planning Improvement team examines the challenges and opportunities in planning for hydrogen that have been identified through discussions with planning authorities, hydrogen industry, agencies and regulators.
Download Insights Report: Planning for Hydrogen
A Guide to Early Engagement in Planning for Hydrogen Developers
This paper has been written to inform hydrogen developers on why early engagement is important, what good early engagement looks like, when early engagement should take place, and how early engagement will be made to work effectively.
Download A Guide to Early Engagement in Planning for Hydrogen Developers
Hydrogen Planning Process Map
Arup was appointed by the National Planning Hub (NPH) to produce a process map for consenting hydrogen in Scotland. The purpose of this report, alongside the visual process map, is to set out the process of dealing with planning applications on hydrogen, the timelines, associated parties and information required for planning applications and associated licences and permits. It is envisaged that this report and process map will provide clarity on the planning and consenting process for hydrogen in Scotland. This report will provide key information on planning for hydrogen and will be used to build knowledge, capacity and resilience within the determining authorities and consultees.
The visual flowchart provides a route map for consenting hydrogen projects in Scotland and should be read in conjunction with planning policy, legislation and guidance.
It does not provide an exhaustive list of consents or licences that may be required for a hydrogen development but includes interactive elements. Boxes with a red outline indicate that there is additional information.
Introduction to Hydrogen for the Public Sector
The Scottish Government worked with University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde and University of Aberdeen to design the “Introduction to Hydrogen for the Public Sector” course for all local planning professionals throughout Scotland.
Hydrogen production and use will play an increasing role in our energy mix as we move forward to net zero but hydrogen as a subject will be new to many parts of the public sector. This course has been developed to support local authority teams involved with hydrogen projects’ planning and consents.
The course modules are now freely available to policymakers and members of the public with an interest in hydrogen to raise awareness of its role in the energy mix and the technologies involved.
The course consists of three videos:
- Background to Hydrogen
- Hydrogen Production and Demand
- Hydrogen Transport and Storage
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National Planning Improvement
The National Planning Improvement Champion is responsible for monitoring the performance of planning authorities and providing advice to them (and others) on what steps might be taken to improve their performance.
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Planning Skills
The Planning Skills Programme co-ordinates training events for public sector planning officers, with the aim to develop the skills required to deliver better places.
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Planning for Place
The Planning for Place Programme supports councils and their partners to collaborate around place, seeking to encourage place-based approaches to joint planning, resourcing and delivery of places that enable all communities to flourish.
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Shaping Places for Wellbeing
The programme aims to improve Scotland’s wellbeing and reduce inequalities through changing our collective approaches to the places where we live, work and play.