Hydrogen MoU signed between Scotland and Singapore

Commercial opportunities to be explored for Scottish firms

Collaboration between Scotland and Singapore in the hydrogen sector is to be strengthened after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the respective associations of each country.

The Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA) and their Singaporean counterparts, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association of Singapore (HFCAS), signed the MoU that will see the organisations work together to promote mutually beneficial hydrogen and fuel cell technology and industry exchange and development.

As part of the partnership, efforts will be made to stimulate joint hydrogen and fuel cell technology commercial projects in Scotland and Singapore.  Both organisations also committed to:

• Identifying and overcoming common technology barriers to the production, distribution, storage and use of hydrogen
• Sharing best practice regarding hydrogen and fuel cell codes and regulations
• Exchanging collateral such as whitepapers, case studies and reports
• Facilitating networking and communications between the SHFCA and the HFCAS via trade missions, conferences, exhibitions, workshops, webinars and/ or meetings

The agreement was announced today (Friday, 17 February) at a MoU Ceremony in Singapore attended by Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee, who is in South-East Asia on a week-long visit to further enhance trade and investment links between Scotland and the region.

Mr McKee said: “I am looking forward to engaging closely with the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association of Singapore (HFCAS) to increase awareness of Scotland’s strengths in hydrogen production & supply.

“The signing of this MoU between HFCAS and Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association is an important milestone as we continue to strive towards reaching our net-zero commitments.”

Established in 2004, SHFCA promotes and develops expertise in fuel cells and hydrogen technologies.

SHFCA has more than 180 members from across industry, academia and the public sector, reflecting the increasing role for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to enable the deployment of renewables and low carbon technologies in the net zero energy system.

Nigel Holmes, CEO of SHFCA said: “This Memorandum of Understanding between the Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association of Singapore and the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association will build links that identify and develop trade and innovation opportunities between our members.

“This can help us to develop and share best practice in the deployment and safe use of low carbon hydrogen technologies which will be critical for delivering net zero targets in both Scotland and Singapore.”

HFCAS supports the push for hydrogen and fuel cell development and deployment in Singapore.  Since its formation in 2019, HFCAS has promoted the use of hydrogen and fuel cells to help in Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts and move towards a greener energy mix for power generation, mobility and industrial applications.

Noel Chin, President of HFCAS said: “HFCAS is delighted to establish this MOU with SHFCA.

“We believe that this will open up doorways for Singapore enterprises to explore pathways in working with Scottish companies on the Hydrogen ecosystem, and vice versa.  It would also forge closer ties and allow for exchange of knowledge between Singapore and Scotland, and where both HFCAS and SHFCAS can work together in creating opportunities for our members to come together and discuss about potential partnerships and projects.”

Mr McKee's visit to Singapore was arranged by Scottish Development International (SDI)’s team of trade and investment specialists based in South-East Asia.

SDI is the international arm of Scottish Enterprise, promoting Scotland as an ideal business location and supporting trade opportunities for Scottish firms in target markets across the world.

Jan Robertson, Director of Global Trade at SDI said: “Singapore is a market of growing importance to Scottish exporters, offering a gateway to the wider South-East Asia region.

“With Singapore recently committing to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, there is scope for Scottish expertise in hydrogen technologies to be utilised here.  This MoU will enhance sectoral links and potentially generate trade opportunities for companies in Scotland.

“The visit of Mr McKee to Singapore has showcased Scotland’s strengths across priority sectors of ours, such as Space, Food & Drink and Energy Transition.  Our SDI in-market colleagues will continue to tirelessly promote Scotland’s world-class products and services across the South-East Asia region, opening doors for Scottish firms in the process.”

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