Danish energy giant Orsted has joined the UK’s Hydrogen Taskforce, which is working closely with stakeholders in government to ensure that the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy is reflective of the ambition of industry in the country.
Orsted is developing several renewable hydrogen schemes across Europe, including the Gigastack project which is seeking to demonstrate how offshore wind can support the production of low-cost, zero-carbon hydrogen in the UK to industrial scale.
The Taskforce has been providing evidence to the government on how hydrogen can support the UK’s economic recovery, post-Covid-19.
Orsted head of region UK Duncan Clark said: “In order to meet the government’s target of net zero by 2050, we will need to adopt a range of complementary new technologies to truly transform the way we produce and manage power.
“Offshore wind’s growing role as the backbone of our future electricity system will see it deliver green power for transport, heat and technologies by making renewable hydrogen at scale, enabling large scale industrial decarbonisation and helping to create thousands more long-term, skilled jobs across the UK in offshore wind and its supply chain.
“We look forward to working alongside the other members of the Hydrogen Taskforce to help ensure the UK delivers on its undoubted potential to be a global leader in renewable hydrogen.”
Hydrogen Taskforce Secretariat co-lead and Madano head of insights Gareth Morrell said: “The Hydrogen Taskforce is unique in that its membership covers the breadth of the UK hydrogen value chain and has led to it being positioned as a trusted advisor to the government on this sector.
“As a key player in the wind sector, Orsted’s joining the Taskforce will add its significant experience and expertise to the Taskforce’s work engaging with the UK government, which is currently devising a UK Hydrogen Strategy and seeking the Taskforce’s analysis on how to ensure that clean hydrogen remains front and centre of the UK’s drive towards net zero by 2050.”