News
Wave of announcements signal boost for emerging role of H2 in powering UK
A series of official H2 announcements have been made, boosting the UK’s low-carbon drive and reinforcing the future role of H2 in powering Britain.
The announcements include the award of 11 new green H2 production projects, totaling 125 MW of capacity in the H2 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 H2 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 H2 production. Together with the announcements for agreed international certification standards in COP28, this signals the emergence of a global H2 market.
Michael Tholen, OEUK sustainability and policy director said, “H2 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 H2 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 H2 production can flourish. The UK Government aims to deliver up to 10 GW of low carbon H2 production capacity by 2030.
From The Archives
Connect with H2Tech
