A group of 10 organisations, including BP and Shell, active in the UK energy system today have launched the Hydrogen Taskforce aiming to offer a shared vision of the role of hydrogen in the transition to net zero emissions.
The taskforce has agreed a collective position on the next steps that must be taken to ensure the UK capitalises on opportunities from hydrogen to decarbonise cost-effectively at home, and to play a leading role in the growing global market for hydrogen solutions.
It aims to align a wide range of stakeholders including government, industry and an informed public with the aim of driving investment in hydrogen to promote its large-scale deployment across the economy.
The Hydrogen Taskforce also comprises Arup, Baxi, BOC, BNP Paribas and its vehicle leasing company Arval, Cadent, DBD, ITM Power and Storengy.
It has published a report – ‘The Role of Hydrogen in Delivering Net Zero’ – outlining a series of policy recommendations for industry and government to work towards over the next five years.
The action plan includes the development of a cross-departmental Hydrogen Strategy within UK government and commitment by government of £1bn over the next Spending Review Period to hydrogen production, storage and distribution projects.
The plan also calls for the development of financial support for the production of hydrogen for blending into the gas grid, industrial use, power generation and transport.
There should also be an amendment to Gas Safety Management Regulations to enable hydrogen blending into the UK gas grid and take the next steps towards 100% hydrogen heating through supporting public trials and mandating hydrogen-ready boilers by 2025.
Collaboration should also take place to establish 100 hydrogen refuelling stations by 2025 to support the roll-out of hydrogen transport.
The taskforce was launched at an event at the UK parliament that was attended by Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng and the MP for Redcar Jacob Young.
Young said: “The political, social and economic arguments for large scale hydrogen conversion have never been so strong.
“It is clear that we cannot meet our net zero 2050 target without hydrogen technology.
“From heating our homes, to our journeys to work, hydrogen can play a huge part in our decarbonisation in this decade.
“By taking the next steps and accelerating Hydrogen development programs we can create thousands of new, skilled, green jobs and continue to lead the world in the hydrogen economy.”
Arup director Mark Neller said he was delighted that the government had demonstrated its interest in the Hydrogen Taskforce and understood the importance of the project.
“We look forward to working closely with BEIS, HMT, DfT and MHCLG to realise the wide-reaching benefits and applications of hydrogen – early and deep decarbonisation, high quality jobs and value add to the UK economy,” he said.