How SHINe can support hydrogen innovators to thrive
SHINe guides new innovators and existing Scottish businesses that are entering the Scottish hydrogen space, helping them find the assets that'll bring their projects closer to commercialisation. Read more about how SHINe helps businesses innovate and scale in Scotland.
14 October 2025 | 3 minute read
Scotland is at the heart of the UK hydrogen industry. With major renewable energy potential and extensive infrastructure and transferable skills built up over decades, Scotland is the perfect place for a global hydrogen hub.
Scottish Enterprise is here to transform Scotland’s economy. We’re keen to help businesses innovate and scale in Scotland while competing at an international level.
Why SHINe is needed
The SHINe initiative, funded by Scottish Enterprise, focuses specifically on the hydrogen sector. The programme helps Scottish and international businesses to collaborate, generate leads, and encourage innovation.
The UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy recognised that hydrogen will unlock greater energy security, create a more flexible energy market, and decarbonise vital industries.
However, the market for hydrogen in the UK is still small, with little demand certainty. As a result, innovators and businesses struggle to find the support they need for new hydrogen projects and solutions.
Many technology developers rely on government subsidies to get their projects started. Businesses also find it difficult to access commercialisation support and find research and development (R&D) partners.
How SHINe is helping
Synergy and collaboration across the supply chain must be the foundation of the hydrogen industry. SHINe directs new innovators and existing Scottish businesses that are entering the Scottish hydrogen space to the assets that will bring their projects closer to commercialisation.
There are a number of moving parts required to bring innovative hydrogen projects to life. These can include:
- Research and testing facilities
- Manufacturing capability
- Funding opportunities
- Hydrogen storage and transport capacity
- Digital tools and data
SHINe is a one-stop shop that makes it easier for innovative companies and investors to navigate Scotland’s hydrogen ecosystem. The programme aims to promote Scotland as a global hub for hydrogen and an attractive place to invest in new products and initiatives.
How it works
The SHINe website has a list of existing hydrogen innovators and Scottish businesses located across the country. These organisations are happy to provide the facilities, support, and capabilities required to kickstart new hydrogen products and services.
We collaborate with our members to thoroughly map their capabilities. This allows us to direct new innovators towards the organisations across Scotland that best match their requirements.
The organisations work with us and our innovators to streamline integration into the Scottish hydrogen industry, lowering costs for product development. Businesses that see Scotland as a strategic location for their hydrogen initiative can use this tool to identify potential new collaborators.
SHINe in action
The SHINe initiative is an opportunity to support the creation of a thriving hydrogen economy in Scotland. Several of our members have already seen successes as part of the programme.
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)
EMEC is a perfect example of how a Scottish industry can use SHINe to integrate into the existing hydrogen landscape. The EMEC is the world’s leading test centre for renewable energy and has recently evolved into a key R&D facility for green hydrogen. Initially exploring hydrogen production through tidal energy arrays, EMEC has since emerged as a hydrogen leader thanks to their R&D facilities.
EMEC is a hub for hydrogen production, transportation, refuelling, and end use demonstrations. The centre understands that the hydrogen sector can be complex. EMEC is therefore keen to explore the role it can play to help support the energy transition.
Through SHINe, EMEC has found a platform to promote its capabilities in the hydrogen sector. We've provided them with regular dialogue and collaboration opportunities with key organisations. Being part of SHINe has also provided EMEC with valuable industry insights and opportunities to kickstart innovative ideas and projects.
Interested in the hydrogen sector?
If your organisation is keen to invest in the future energy system and discover Scotland’s hydrogen potential, explore Scotland’s capabilities today.
Contact SHINe for more information
Discover the possibilities in Scotland’s hydrogen sector. Get in touch with our team today to discover how we can help you.