The UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (UKHFCA) has released a roadmap for green hydrogen deployment by 2050.
The UKHFCA, whose members include ITM Power, Anglo American, BOC, Northern Gas Networks and Rolls Royce, has also urged the UK Government to consider the long-term economic opportunities that hydrogen presents.
The Case for Green Hydrogen paper highlights the importance of the UK Government to take action now if it wishes to remain the leader in hydrogen energy and continue spearheading the global decarbonisation movement.
UKHFCA said industry leaders and hydrogen experts across the UK have “outlined their concerns that the Treasury will repeat past mistakes and ultimately damage the economy, job creation and the UK’s position as a global hydrogen leader”.
The Case for Green Hydrogen examines the role green hydrogen can play in the UK’s decarbonisation journey and what is needed to achieve net zero by 2050.
It also includes a series of policy recommendations, from “oven-ready”, to short and medium term opportunities.
The paper also provides a roadmap from 2020 to 2050, which the association claims is the first of its kind to date, which illustrates what is required to develop a significant green hydrogen industrial base in the UK.
Within the paper, the UKHFCA urges the UK Government to consider the long-term economic opportunities that hydrogen presents, notably around how Britain can become the world-leading exporter of electrolysis and green hydrogen technologies.
“This is especially important given the EU’s competing ambitious and green hydrogen goals, as well as the acceleration of hydrogen programmes in other territories including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States,” the association stated.
UKHFCA chair Chris Jackson 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 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.”
ITM Power CEO Graham Cooley 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.”