Black & Veatch completed FEED study for ScottishPower’s green hydrogen project at Whitelee Windfarm, advancing U.K.’s decarbonization initiatives.
Black & Veatch has successfully completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) study for the Whitelee Green Hydrogen Project, a pioneering initiative spearheaded by ScottishPower Energy Retail Limited in the United Kingdom. This project is positioned to advance the nation’s decarbonization efforts by generating green hydrogen using power sourced from renewable wind energy.
The contract for the FEED study was awarded to Black & Veatch in October 2024. The development, situated approximately 15 miles south of Glasgow, has received support from the U.K. government under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1) scheme. Central to this project is the utilization of the Whitelee Windfarm—the largest onshore wind farm in the U.K.—to supply clean electricity to an electrolyser system that will produce green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen is created through electrolysis, a process where electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When powered by renewable energy sources such as wind or solar, this process results in a fuel that is not only highly versatile but also free of carbon emissions. It offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels by serving as a transportable, storable, and low-carbon energy solution.
The initial phase of the Whitelee Green Hydrogen Project will incorporate 10 megawatts (MW) of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis capacity. Black & Veatch’s FEED study also presents a conceptual framework for a second phase that will double the project's capacity to 20 MW. This expansion has been shortlisted for consideration under the U.K. government's Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2) program, reflecting the project's alignment with national energy transition goals.
ScottishPower’s Hydrogen Director, Mark Bradley, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable and responsible development. “We selected Black & Veatch for their extensive hydrogen experience and unwavering focus on safety,” Bradley said. “We take a community-driven approach, consulting with stakeholders to ensure our projects meet both environmental and social standards.”
Black & Veatch’s multi-disciplinary team applied its global expertise in hydrogen production to deliver a comprehensive design. The FEED includes integration of the original equipment manufacturer’s electrolyser package along with design elements covering hydrogen compression systems and a tube-trailer dispensing station. Drawing from experience in similar projects worldwide, the team prioritized operational safety and technical excellence throughout the study.
In addition to its work in the U.K., Black & Veatch is also engaged as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the Advanced Clean Energy Storage I (ACES I) project in Utah, one of the largest green hydrogen hubs in the United States. The firm has completed over 200 front-end loading (FEL) studies globally and is currently involved in projects totaling more than 245 MW of green hydrogen production either completed or under construction.
Youssef Merjaneh, senior vice president and managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Black & Veatch, commented on the company's broader role in the energy transition. “Our clients rely on us to design and deliver bankable green hydrogen infrastructure to meet their decarbonization goals. The Whitelee project is a powerful example of integrating renewable energy with innovative hydrogen technology, and we look forward to continued collaboration with ScottishPower.”
