Government must implement a clear hydrogen roadmap

The UK government must implement a hydrogen roadmap in order to achieve net-zero and boost the economy, says the UK Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (UKHFCA) in their new paper published today (February 23).

In the report, the UKHFCA has urged the government to consider the long-term economic opportunities that hydrogen presents.

Industry leaders and hydrogen experts across the UK have expressed concern that the treasury will repeat past mistakes and risk becoming a net importer of hydrogen, ultimately costing the economy.

The authors have suggested that the government should harness the momentum of COP26 and Brexit to lay out a clear roadmap, enabling the UK to achieve its ambitious and green hydrogen goals.

Chris Jackson, chair of the UKHFCA, said: ‘We are at a pivotal moment in the UK’s energy history, with many leaders, experts and industries recognising the benefits that hydrogen presents for both the UK economy and the decarbonisation agenda alike.

‘This paper clearly outlines the most effective way the private and public sectors can work together to decarbonise – never before has a roadmap been presented to the government for hydrogen, and never before has it been clearer to follow.

‘In the wake of Brexit and as we emerge from the pandemic, the Government must realise what could happen if they ignore what industry is telling them. The British economy has a huge opportunity to rebuild through clean energy, and hydrogen sits at the core of this.’

Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power plc, added: ‘The global energy transition is already underway with Governments around the world setting out their support strategies to achieve net-zero. Green hydrogen is central to these strategies and the UK is currently a world leader in its production and use. With the right support mechanisms in place, this country has everything necessary to create a new multi-billion pound industry.’

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