UHI (University Highlands and Islands) North, West, and Hebrides is working with Shetland-based G-Nrgy on potential solutions to island plastic waste.
G-Nrgy, a Shetland-based company with offices in Norway and representation in Guyana, has developed an innovative proof-of-concept system capable of converting waste plastics into thermal energy, marine diesel and heating oil for local use.
Representatives from UHI North, West and Hebrides, and research partner G-Nrgy recently visited Teesside University in Middlesbrough to learn about the latest advances in waste plastics processing and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration on hydrogen innovation.
Plastic waste presents a unique challenge for island communities. Many types of plastic cannot be recycled locally and must be transported to the mainland for processing, adding significant costs and carbon emissions. By working with industry and academic partners, UHI North, West, and Hebrides is helping develop innovative technologies that could transform waste plastics into useful fuels, reduce landfill, improve energy security and support the transition to a more sustainable circular economy.
Joe MacPhee and Alasdair Macleod from UHI North, West, and Hebrides joined George Karstein Irvine and Donald Mackay of G-Nrgy for the visit, hosted by professor David Hughes, associate dean at Teesside University. The next phase of the collaboration will focus on scaling up the demonstrator system, with the ambition of processing discarded plastics from communities across the Western Isles.
The visit also highlighted shared ambitions in hydrogen innovation. Both Institutions have invested in specialist hydrogen research facilities and have agreed to work together on future hydrogen projects that will strengthen research capability while supporting the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.
Joe MacPhee, head of strategic projects at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said, “The research being undertaken at Teesside University to convert waste plastics into usable fuels is an excellent example of applied research addressing real-world challenges. For island communities, the real value lies not only in the technology itself but in how it can be scaled and integrated into local energy systems.
“Projects like this also create opportunities closer to home. As the hydrogen and renewables sector grows across the Highlands and Islands, we want local people to be able to build the skills for these careers without leaving the region, and that is exactly what our engineering and energy courses are designed to do.”
George Karstein Irvine, of G-Nrgy, added, “G-Nrgy has enjoyed a strong partnership with Teesside University for several years, including feedstock trials converting HDPE plastic into marine fuel oil and fishing nets into hydrogen. Combining that expertise with UHI’s strengths in island energy and marine innovation creates an even stronger collaborative network.
“Let’s think beyond recycling. Together, we can decarbonise our local communities, transform waste into wealth and help reduce domestic energy poverty.”
Professor David Hughes, associate dean at Teesside University, commented, “By bringing together our expertise in hydrogen and circular waste processing with UHI North, West and Hebrides’ strengths in island energy and marine innovation, we can explore practical clean fuel solutions that support remote ports, maritime operations and more resilient island communities.”
