Minutes: 13 May 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 6 in private.

2. Plans for future of Grangemouth (Project Willow study):

The Committee took evidence on hydrogen aspects of the study from—

John Andresen, Professor in Energy Systems, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University;

Dr Graeme Hawker, Chancellor's Fellow in Future Energy Systems, University of Strathclyde;

Dr Nigel Holmes, Chief Executive Officer, Hydrogen Scotland;

and then from—

Dr Simon Gill, Independent Energy Consultant and author of Green hydrogen in Scotland: a report for the Scottish Futures Trust;

Dr Jan Rosenow, Energy Programme Leader and Jackson Senior Research Fellow, Oriel College, University of Oxford;

Mark Symes, Professor of Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Technology, School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow.

In relation to a mention of the proposed Speyside Hydrogen project, which is subject to a planning application, Edward Mountain declared an interest as a partner in and owner of 50% of Delfur Fishings of Moray.

3. UK subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered a proposal by the Scottish Government to consent to the UK Government legislating in a devolved area as set out in the following UK statutory instrument proposal—

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025.

The Committee agreed that the provision set out in the notification should be included in the UK statutory instrument. In writing to the Scottish Government to communicate this decision, the Committee agreed to seek further information about the proposed timeline for the UK phasing out the persistent organic pollutants covered by the notification.

4. UK subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered a proposal by the Scottish Government to consent to the UK Government legislating in a devolved area as set out in the following UK statutory instrument proposal—

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

The Committee agreed that the provision set out in the notification should be included in the UK statutory instrument.

5. Public petition: PE2123

The Committee considered the following continued petition— Update air quality standards in Scotland to align with 2021 World Health Organisation guidelines.

The Committee agreed to write to various stakeholders to seek their view on the petition and the Scottish Government's response.

6. Plans for future of Grangemouth (Project Willow study):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.