A series of official hydrogen announcements has been made today (14 December), boosting the UK’s low carbon drive and reinforcing the future role of hydrogen in powering Britain.
The announcements include the award of 11 new green hydrogen production projects, totalling 125 MW of capacity in the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR-1) process, and the launch of the HAR-2 process which aims to support at least 875 MW of capacity over time. Alongside this, the decision to allow 20% of hydrogen blending in the UK’s existing gas system will support market demand and reduce emissions.
The leading trade body for the offshore energy sector, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) says the decisions will provide a significant boost of confidence to companies looking to invest in UK hydrogen production. Together with the announcements for agreed international certification standards in COP28, this signals the emergence of a global hydrogen market.
Michael Tholen, OEUK sustainability and policy director, said:
“Hydrogen is essential to the UK’s goal of meeting net zero by 2050. It could provide a clean source of energy across the economy, from heating homes and serving industries to powering transport.
“Today’s announcements provide a welcome signal-boost for companies looking to invest in the UK’s hydrogen future and will help to unlock billions of pounds of private investment.
“We must now maintain this momentum – putting UK companies at the forefront of this burgeoning opportunity, providing growth for UK businesses and people, and reducing emissions.”
In the 2021 North Sea Transition Deal, OEUK committed to work with the UK Government to ensure low carbon hydrogen production can flourish.
The UK Government aims to deliver up to 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
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