A NEW phase in the latest wave of renewable energy production in East Ayrshire has been given the go ahead by the local council.
Planners have agreed to a 5.6km (3.5-mile) water pipeline to support a major Green Hydrogen Production Facility near Whitelee Wind Farm.
The development—approved with conditions—will see underground pipework and a small above-ground Clean Water Booster Station (CWBS) installed along the A77 north-east of Kilmarnock, running toward the hydrogen facility already given the go ahead by the Scottish Government earlier this year.
The pipeline will supply water to the hydrogen plant, which will produce clean hydrogen fuel through electrolysis powered by renewable energy.
The initiative forms part of a larger integrated green energy project, including a solar farm and battery storage system.
They raised concerns about potential flood risk and impact on private water supplies, ecological disruption on deep peatland and insufficient public consultation.
However, the council’s planning report concluded that the pipeline is “essential infrastructure” and will support “one of the UK’s key low-carbon energy initiatives.”
The hydrogen facility has been backed by the UK Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, reflecting national priorities for rapid clean energy expansion.
Council officials noted that most of the pipework will be buried in road verges, with only a small structure visible above ground. While a section crosses sensitive peatland, mitigations—such as ecological supervision and peat reinstatement—were deemed sufficient to protect local habitats.
The planning decision imposes strict conditions, including ecological surveys, restricted working hours, and detailed construction management plans to minimise disturbance.
Additional protections for nearby watercourses and bat populations were also required.
Construction is expected to begin within three years, subject to compliance with the full suite of conditions set out by East Ayrshire Council.
