The Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility (CGHPF) is a flagship 15 MW green hydrogen electrolysis facility at Alness, near Inverness. Developed by Protium, the project represents the first stage of the wider Highland Hydrogen Hub and received planning permission from The Highland Council in August 2026.
Avian Ecology, working alongside RSK, provided comprehensive ecological support throughout the planning process, leading the ecological survey programme and delivering the technical assessment required to support the application.
Our team undertook the full suite of ecological surveys and prepared the associated technical documentation, including the ecology chapter of the Environmental Appraisal Report. We also developed biodiversity enhancement recommendations to ensure opportunities for ecological benefit were embedded within the scheme.
A key consideration was the potential for effects on the Morangie Forest Special Protection Area (SPA), designated for its importance to capercaillie. Avian Ecology provided the ecological and ornithological information required to inform the Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA), supporting a robust assessment of potential effects on this sensitive European site.
Through early survey, proportionate assessment and close integration with the wider project team, Avian Ecology helped address key ecological constraints and support the project through to a successful planning consent.
