Hydrogen: planning and consenting guidance

Annex C – Worked Examples & Scenarios

Scenario 1: Small Scale Green Hydrogen project – directly connected to existing on-shore wind. Storing> 2 tonnes of Hydrogen (Not a COMAH Establishment but HSC required). Off-take via ‘tube trailer’ distribution to local end-users. Site <2ha – Detailed ‘Local’ Planning Application. Non-EIA Development . Water supply direct from Scottish Water (w/o on-site treatment)

A diagram illustrating timescales of Scenario 1. Project Feasibility and Technical Development should begin early and take places in the first 4 months. For Planning Permission, Pre-App Consultation with LPA and Key Consultees should take place in months 1-4. EIA Screening should take place in months 1-2 and Confirmation that EIA is not required can be expected in month 3. Application Documents should be compiled in months 2-4 and application submitted in month 5. Determination Period takes place over months 6-9 and Discharge Planning Conditions in months 10-12.

Hazardous Substances Application Submission should take place in months 1-2. The determination period is between months 2-14.

For Environmental Permitting, advance engagement with SEPA and compilation of Licence Application should take place over months 1-6. Application should be submitted in month 7, for the determination period between months 8-12.

Scenarios are representative of potential project typologies/characteristics and consenting requirements that may arise, but specific circumstances of actual projects may result in different requirements.

Timescales shown are indicative estimates/guides and will vary for individual projects depending on site specific context and issues arising, as well as developer requirements.

Scenario 2: Large scale Green Hydrogen project – connection to existing solar/wind generation. Storing>5 tonnes of Hydrogen (COMAH Lower-Tier Establishment and HSC Required). Principal off-take via ‘blending’ to existing Gas Network. Site>2ha – Major Planning Application. EIA Development. Water Supply from local watercourse (w/ on-site treatment)

A diagram illustrating timescales of Scenario 2. Project Feasibility and Technical Development should begin early and take places in the first 4 or 5 months. For Planning Permission, Pre-App Consultation with LPA and Key Consultees should take place in months 1-4. EIA Screening should take place in months 1-3 and EIA and Application documents should be compiled in months 4-7. 12-week PAC period falls in months 3-5. Application should be submitted in month 7. Determination Period takes place over months 8-13 and Discharge of Planning Conditions in months 14-15.

COMAH pre-construction notification should be given in months 12-13 and MAPP/ Safety Management System prepared and collated over months 6-14.

Hazardous Substances Application Submission should take place in months 1-2. The determination period is between months 2-14.

For Environmental Permitting, advance engagement with SEPA and compilation of Licence Application should take place over months 1-6. Application should be submitted in month 7, for the determination period between months 8-12.

Scenarios are representative of potential project typologies/characteristics and consenting requirements that would arise.

Timescales shown are indicative estimates/guides and will vary for individual projects depending on site specific context and issues arising, as well as developer requirements.

Timescales broadly applicable to Blue Hydrogen projects. Early consultation should be undertaken to define specific requirement and consenting timescales.

Scenario 3: Large scale Green Hydrogen Project – Including new 60MW solar/wind generation. Storing >5 tonnes of Hydrogen (COMAH Upper-Tier Establishment and HSC required). Principal off-take via ‘blending’ to existing Gas Network. Site >2ha – Major Planning Application to planning authority. >50MW Generation – Section 36 Consent required. Application to ECU. EIA Development. Water supply from local watercourse (w/ on-site treatment)

A diagram illustrating timescales of Scenario 3. Project Feasibility and Technical Development should begin early and take places in the first 5 months. For Planning Permission, Pre-App Consultation with LPA and Key Consultees should take place in months 1-6. EIA Screening should take place in months 1-3 and EIA and Application documents should be compiled in months 3-7. 12-week PAC period falls in months 3-5. First gate check (ECU) is in months 4-5 and the second in month 7. Application should be submitted in month 8. Determination Period takes place over months 9-14 and Discharge of Planning Conditions in months 15-16.

For COMAH, advanced engagement with competent authority should take place in months 1-5. Pre-construction notification and safety report should be prepared in months 11-14 and MAPP/ Safety Management System prepared and collated over months 3-12.

Hazardous Substances Application Submission should take place in months 1-2. The determination period is between months 2-14.

For Environmental Permitting, advance engagement with SEPA should take place over months 1-6. Application should be submitted in month 7, for the determination period between months 8-12.

In relation to “Compile EIA and Application Documents” and “Determination periods” S36 (relating to energy generation) and PP (relating to hydrogen production) are separate consenting processes but where possible advanced in parallel and with close coordination around consultation and environmental assessment.

Scenarios are representative of potential project typologies/ characteristics and consenting requirements that would arise.

Timescales shown are indicative estimates/guides and will vary for individual projects depending on site specific context and issues arising, as well as developer requirements.

Timescales broadly applicable to Blue Hydrogen projects. Early consultation should be undertaken to define specific requirements and consenting timescales.