The UK’s hydrogen industry has called for the incoming Prime Minister to maintain momentum behind hydrogen policy.
The call followed a gathering of the UK Government, investors and industry leaders at the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) Annual Conference.
The conference brought together delegates from across the hydrogen value chain, with a message that political change “must not derail investment confidence or delay the delivery of hydrogen projects already moving towards deployment”, it said.
It also highlighted significant progress across the UK hydrogen sector, with several Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) projects having now reached Final Investment Decision, alongside growing collaboration between industry, Government and investors to accelerate deployment.
Speakers pointed to increasing collaboration between developers, manufacturers, investors and end users as evidence of “a sector that is maturing and ready to move into its next phase of growth”, the HEA said.
With a new Prime Minister expected to set out priorities soon, the HEA is urging ministers to provide early certainty on hydrogen policy, ensuring the UK remains competitive for investment and protects the momentum built across the sector.
With several Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) projects now having reached Final Investment Decision and demand continuing to grow across multiple sectors, delegates agreed the industry has moved beyond pilot projects and into commercial delivery.
The consensus was that maintaining policy certainty is now essential to unlocking the next wave of private investment, the HEA concluded.
Emma Guthrie, Chief Executive of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said:
“The UK has built enormous momentum in hydrogen over recent years. Businesses have invested, supply chains have grown and projects are ready to move. The incoming Prime Minister now has an opportunity to build on that progress.
“The message from our conference was clear. Hydrogen is no longer an emerging technology looking for a purpose. It is a strategic industry capable of delivering economic growth, attracting investment, strengthening energy security and supporting thousands of skilled jobs across every region of the UK.”
“The sector isn’t asking for a change in direction. It is asking for continuity, confidence and the timely decisions needed to unlock private investment. We’re moving beyond discussing hydrogen’s potential and into delivering hydrogen projects. Today’s discussions showed a sector ready to get on with the job. What matters now is ensuring that political change doesn’t interrupt the progress that has already been made.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“The collaboration between Government and industry is critical to delivering the energy transition. By working together, championing the success already being delivered and giving investors’ confidence, hydrogen can play a central role in strengthening the UK’s energy security and driving economic growth.
“Political change does drive uncertainty, particularly for investors. But the Government remains committed to what we were elected to deliver, and that commitment to hydrogen will continue.”
Image courtesy of HEA
