What is a net-zero hub and why do we need one in the Firth of Forth?

The Firth of Forth has been earmarked as a suitable location for a cutting-edge net zero hub that will help Scotland achieve its climate ambitions.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The area is identified as a prime site for such a development in a new report from energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie due to the high concentration of polluting heavy industry located around its shores.

The Grangemouth and Mossmorran cluster, which includes petrochemicals plants and refineries, is the the largest industrial centre in Scotland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is responsible for bringing in significant sums to the Scottish economy, but also accounts for around 10 per cent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions and remains stubbornly difficult to decarbonise.

The Firth of Forth is home to Scotland's largest industrial cluster, including plants at Mossmorran and Grangemouth, and is responsible for a tenth of Scotland's total greenhouse gas emissionsThe Firth of Forth is home to Scotland's largest industrial cluster, including plants at Mossmorran and Grangemouth, and is responsible for a tenth of Scotland's total greenhouse gas emissions
The Firth of Forth is home to Scotland's largest industrial cluster, including plants at Mossmorran and Grangemouth, and is responsible for a tenth of Scotland's total greenhouse gas emissions
Read More
Firth of Forth 'net-zero hub' key to achieving Scotland's climate goals, new res...

Tackling these emissions will be fundamental to achieving the national target to reach net zero by 2045.

Creation of a net-zero hub is being proposed as an effective solution for some of the most stubborn problems in achieving that goal while potentially creating thousands of new jobs.

Similar developments are already being established south of the border – Net Zero Teeside, Zero Carbon Humber and HyNet North West.

So what is a net-zero hub?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s an aggregate of complementary businesses, technologies and services which have the common challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Malcolm Forbes-Cable, vice president of consulting at the firm, describes it as a concentrated area of supply and demand, where there is symbiosis between operations – such as polluters side-by-side with producers of clean fuel.

Pioneering technologies such as carbon capture, usage and storage and hydrogen generation could be developed at the site and used to help lower emissions.

What makes the Firth of Forth the ideal site for a net-zero hub?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Firstly, because it his home to the biggest industrial cluster in the country, so there will be economies of scale for any future developments. It is also ideal due to its size and the site being well served with existing infrastructure, some of which – like the Forties oil pipeline – could be repurposed for alternative uses.

Its central location is also in its favour, plus it has great air, road, rail and sea transport links, deep-water port facilities and access to abundant renewable energy resources.

And not forgetting the people – there is a wealth of expertise and knowledge among workers and researchers linked to the various industries around the Forth.

Why do we need one?

Mr Forbes-Cable stresses that we can’t just “wish away” the climate impacts of the industrial sector and should capitalise on the enormous economic potential of decarbonisation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s about reducing emissions, but it’s also about a sustainable economy,” he said.

The report states: “The Firth of Forth industrial cluster has developed over two centuries, with a strong history of innovation, adapting to changing markets and consumer demands.

“It has powered the national economy, produced the building blocks for the pharmaceutical industry, as well as multiple materials and products essential to modern life.

“The transition to a low-carbon economy is not about switching old industries off, but about adapting, innovating and transitioning them to sustainable operations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Firth of Forth industrial hub should play a central role in Scotland’s net-zero strategy and continue to be a driver of economic growth and job creation.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.