The Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) has called for cross-ministerial intervention on delays to the UK Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Rounds and proposed refresh of the Hydrogen Strategy.
In a letter to the Chancellor and Secretary of State, the HEA has warned continued uncertainty is eroding business confidence, stalling investment decisions and putting high-value UK jobs at risk.
It is calling for the immediate publication of HAR 2 project outcomes, the HAR 3 market engagement exercise, and rapid progression of the Hydrogen Strategy Refresh – arguing the UK risks falling behind international competitors at a critical moment for the global hydrogen economy.
Under an improved delivery environment – with faster decision-making, clearer demand signals and better alignment across departments – industry respondents to the HEA survey indicate the sector could support a four-fold increase in employment, creating around 17,000 UK hydrogen jobs by 2030, spanning engineering, construction, manufacturing, infrastructure and operations.
The HEA warns that failure to act quickly risks a “negative spiral” of delayed final investment decisions, project cancellations and international investors prioritising markets with greater policy certainty.
Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said:
“The UK hydrogen sector is ready to invest, build and deliver – but it cannot do so in a policy vacuum. Every day of delay to HAR 2, HAR 3 and the Hydrogen Strategy refresh chips away at investor confidence, pushes projects, capital and skilled jobs elsewhere and risks a negative spiral of eroding business confidence.
“This is not about bureaucracy – it is about whether the UK chooses to lead or to watch opportunities drift offshore. The industry needs clarity now. Cross-ministerial coordination is essential to unlock private investment, protect UK jobs and keep hydrogen on track to play its role in growth, energy security and decarbonisation.”
“Hydrogen is not a future opportunity – it is a present one. The UK has the capability, the projects and the people. What is missing is pace and coordination.
“The window to lead the global hydrogen economy is still open, but it is closing. Government action in the coming weeks will determine whether the UK captures this opportunity or cedes ground to competitors.”
Image courtesy of the HEA
