Protium Green Solutions Ltd. and ITM Power have formalized a strategic partnership to develop, invest in, and operate industrial-scale green hydrogen production plants across the UK, with an immediate focus on advancing the Cromarty Project in Scotland.

The collaboration establishes a flexible framework to support the expansion of the domestic green energy supply chain within the UK economy. Under the new agreement, the companies are collectively exploring a range of deployment models for future UK projects, with a particular focus on Protium's portfolio of Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR) projects. 

The companies are evaluating multiple avenues for collaboration, potentially including via Hydropulse, ITM Power’s build-own-operate subsidiary designed to deliver containerized green hydrogen plants, as well as options for Protium to directly acquire ITM's market-leading electrolysis assets. This parallel tracking allows both parties to undertake rigorous commercial due diligence to ensure optimal project delivery, technical alignment, and value for money. 

The first area of collaboration being actively explored under this framework is the flagship Cromarty Hydrogen Project in the Scottish Highlands. Recently acquired by Protium, the project successfully secured government-backed funding through Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1). 

Cromarty, with 15 MW electrolyser capacity, will produce circa 7 tonnes of green hydrogen per day at peak output. The project will provide a localized, reliable energy source to decarbonize regional sectors, targeting a mixture of heavy industrial heat and power customers, many of whom are currently off the national gas grid. Phase 1 of the Cromarty project alone is estimated to create approximately 30 highly skilled local jobs and apprenticeships within the region. 

As the primary project developer, Protium will lead power procurement, permitting, downstream infrastructure, and hydrogen distribution. A Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Cromarty project is currently targeted for December 2026.

Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM Power, said: “By working alongside Protium in a framework ranging from equipment supply to investment, we are bringing together our complementary expertise. Together, we can deliver highly competitive hydrogen with strong long-term economics and help accelerate the UK hydrogen market.”

Christopher Jackson, CEO and Founder of Protium, said: “This partnership between Protium and ITM Power brings two of the UK's best-in-class hydrogen businesses together to deliver a truly unbeatable proposition for customers. Reliability, affordability and scalability with no compromises and no carbon emissions. This is how we move the UK hydrogen economy from concept to reality.”