Moray Council in Scotland turned down plans for the 70MW Speyside Hydrogen project on October 9, 2025, dealing a blow to green energy efforts. The rejection came despite strong backing from the Scottish Government and the whisky industry, as local leaders prioritized worries about water use and wildlife in the River Spey area.
Project Details and Goals
The Speyside Hydrogen project aimed to build a green hydrogen plant at Marypark, close to the famous River Spey. Storegga, the company behind it, planned to use renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This clean fuel would help whisky distilleries cut their carbon emissions and switch from fossil fuels.
Storegga highlighted the site’s perfect location near many distilleries in Speyside, home to over 50 whisky makers. The plant would produce enough hydrogen to power local operations and even support trucks for transport. Backed by a 3.1 million pound grant from the Scottish Government, the project promised to create up to 100 jobs during building and 30 full time roles once running.
Experts in the field note that green hydrogen plays a key role in Scotland’s push for net zero by 2045. The whisky sector, worth billions to the economy, has pledged to go carbon neutral by 2040. This project fit right into those plans, offering a way to use excess wind power that might otherwise go to waste.
Key Reasons Behind the Rejection
Councillors debated for four hours before voting no. They focused on how the plant might harm the environment. The main issue was pulling water from the River Spey, even though Storegga said it would take just 0.05 percent of the river’s flow each day.
Local groups like the Spey Fisheries Board raised alarms about water shortages. The river already loses much of its flow to hydropower, and climate change brings longer dry spells. Biologists warned that less water could hurt fish and plants along the banks.
Biodiversity came up a lot too. The area around Marypark is full of wildlife, and building there could disrupt habitats. Councillors felt the plans did not do enough to protect or improve nature. One local leader said mitigation steps fell short of real enhancements needed under planning rules.
Community voices added weight to the no vote. Over 380 people objected to the plans, far outnumbering the eight in favor. Residents worried about more truck traffic on local roads and noise from the site. Even a nearby distillery spoke against it, saying the spot was wrong despite liking the idea of hydrogen.
Here are some main concerns raised:
- Water abstraction risking river health in dry times.
- Potential loss of green space and wildlife areas.
- Increased heavy vehicle trips along the A95 road.
- Doubts on long term job benefits for locals.
Balancing Economy and Environment
The debate pitted green jobs against nature protection. Storegga argued the project would boost the local economy and help Scotland lead in clean tech. They pointed to partnerships with big players like ScottishPower on other hydrogen sites, showing real demand from industry.
On the flip side, opponents said distilleries already use renewables well without needing more water pulls. With climate shifts making water scarcer, why risk the Spey, a key spot for tourism and fishing? This echoes wider talks in Scotland about green growth that does not harm wild places.
Recent events show the tension. Just last month, ScottishPower paused some hydrogen work due to tough markets, but projects like Cromarty Hydrogen keep moving forward. In Speyside, the rejection highlights how local input shapes big energy shifts.
To compare the arguments, here is a simple table:
| Aspect | Pro-Project View | Against-Project View |
|---|---|---|
| Water Use | Minimal impact, just 0.05% of river flow | Risks scarcity in a changing climate |
| Jobs and Economy | 100 construction jobs, 30 permanent | Limited guarantees, short term gains |
| Environment | Helps cut emissions overall | Harms biodiversity, no strong fixes |
| Industry Fit | Decarbonizes whisky sector | Distilleries manage without it now |
Wider Impact on Scotland’s Hydrogen Push
This decision shakes up Scotland’s green hydrogen dreams. The country aims to build hydrogen hubs to export clean fuel and hit climate goals. Speyside was set to be a star example, linking energy with the whisky world.
Now, questions arise about other projects. Will councils block more plans over similar issues? Storegga may redesign and try again, but delays cost time and money. Meanwhile, global hydrogen markets grow fast, with the UK investing billions.
Experts say this shows the need for better planning that wins over communities early. Scotland’s wind power is a goldmine for hydrogen, but balancing it with nature is key. Recent wins, like the Cromarty project getting government contracts, prove it’s possible when sites fit well.
What Comes Next for Green Energy in Speyside
Storegga faces tough choices after the vote. They could appeal or pick a new spot, but that means more work and uncertainty. Local groups celebrate the win for the environment, hoping it protects the Spey for years.
For Scotland, this is a reminder to blend green tech with care for land and people. As dry seasons lengthen, water fights will shape future projects. The whisky industry keeps pushing for hydrogen, but now looks to other ways to go green.
Readers, what do you think about balancing clean energy with nature? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends.
