Rebecca Eatwell

hydrogen ambitions

The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has welcomed two new members – National Gas and Utiliqo at a time when the future direction of the UK’s hydrogen sector is coming into sharper focus ahead of the government’s Hydrogen Strategy Refresh.

The new members join the alliance as hydrogen policy and planning enter an important phase. With growing interest and activity across the sector, the pace and scale of progress will be shaped by decisions taken in the coming months on market frameworks, infrastructure planning and long-term demand.

The forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy refresh represents a critical opportunity for government to set out a clear direction for hydrogen’s role within the wider energy system. For regions such as the North West, where capability and ambition already exist, a well-defined policy framework will be essential to support steady, long-term progress and informed decision-making.

Dave Richardson, Chair of the NWHA and Decarbonisation Solutions Director at Costain, said:

“We’re proud to welcome National Gas and Utiliqo to the Alliance. Their decision to align with the North West underlines the region’s strength, capability and ambition in hydrogen.

“Both national organisations bring valuable experience, scale and insight, and their involvement represents a strong vote of confidence in the region and in the role hydrogen will play in the UK’s future energy mix. As national policy continues to evolve, collaboration of this kind will be essential in turning strategy into meaningful progress.”

National Gas is Britain’s national gas network, which owns, builds, manages and maintains the critical infrastructure that underpins the country’s energy security. It also provides infrastructure services to hydrogen projects across the value chain including pipelines, metering and pressure control. It is playing a leading role in preparing the network for hydrogen, developing products and services to enable hydrogen and supporting the transition to net zero while safeguarding the UK’s industrial competitiveness.

Chris Wood, Hydrogen and Innovation lead at National Gas Metering said:

“We are exctied to join the Northwest Hydrogen alliance and look forward to collaboration with fellow members in the alliance as well as supporting the north west’s ambitous hydrogen objectives.”

Utiliquo works across the UK, providing bespoke digital design & consultancy services for the utilities & energy sector. It contributes expertise in digital systems and asset management, supporting the planning and operation of complex energy infrastructure. As the hydrogen industry develops, such capabilities will be increasingly valuable in helping organisations assess system requirements, manage risk and improve decision-making.

Shae Yates, Managing Diretor at Utiliqo said:

“We are committed to supporting the transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, and we firmly believe that collaboration is fundamental to achieving meaningful progress. Becoming a member of the North West Hydrogen Alliance represents an important milestone for our organisation, and we are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead through shared knowledge, innovation, and partnership.

“We are particularly excited to connect with the diverse range of organisations, industry leaders, and stakeholders associated with the Alliance. The collective expertise and ambition within the NWHA community creates a powerful platform for driving positive change, fostering innovation, and delivering real-world impact within the hydrogen sector. We are confident that our membership will enable us to strengthen relationships, explore collaborative opportunities, and play a constructive role in shaping the future of hydrogen and sustainable infrastructure.”

With National Gas and Utiliqo joining the alliance, the North West Hydrogen Alliance continues to bring together some of the UK’s most influential organisations focused on supporting the development of hydrogen in the region.

Against this backdrop, Hydrogen Week UK will return in 2026 from 18^th – 24^th  May, offering a timely opportunity for industry, policymakers and regional stakeholders to come together to share learning, reflect on progress and engage in informed discussion about the future role of hydrogen.

Spearheaded by the NWHA, Hydrogen Week UK is a nationwide awareness-raising campaign designed to champion hydrogen’s role in the clean energy transition, increase understanding of the sector, and showcase activity taking place across the UK.  For further information visit https://hydrogenweek.co.uk/.

We enter 2026 on the back of a busy and important year for UK hydrogen. Since the publication of the UK’s low-carbon hydrogen strategy in 2021, significant progress has been made in establishing the foundations of a domestic hydrogen economy. Government has set production ambitions, introduced a pragmatic Low-Carbon Hydrogen Standard and developed business models designed to unlock private investment.

That progress became more tangible during 2025. Mechanisms such as the Hydrogen Allocation Rounds and the Cluster Sequencing process began to move hydrogen from policy intent towards real projects. For the North West, home to the UK’s most advanced industrial cluster, these steps have been critical in building confidence and readiness, with projects now moving beyond development and towards construction and operation.

As a result, the UK hydrogen sector enters 2026 with real momentum. The foundations are largely in place, projects are ready to move forward and regions like the North West are prepared to deliver at scale. What is now required is a decisive shift from ambition to action. The refreshed Hydrogen Strategy delayed from the end of last year is expected imminently and must set out a credible, delivery-focused vision for the rest of the decade, providing long-term certainty for investors and industry, whilst clearly defining hydrogen’s role within the wider energy system.

So, what is the North West Hydrogen Alliance hoping to see in 2026?

We need greater clarity on demand and to clearly identify priority end-uses, with support mechanisms in place for offtakers. This clarity is crucial as North West hydrogen projects such as EET Hydrogen’s HPP1 low-carbon hydrogen production plant at Stanlow, which is progressing toward construction and commissioning, prepare to deliver early volumes to industrial customers. Whilst manufacturers position to offtake hydrogen for decarbonisation of glass and other processes.

HyNet North West and Cadent’s planned 100 km hydrogen pipeline network requires a coordinated plan for hydrogen infrastructure, including pipelines and storage, with a regional approach that recognises where hydrogen can be deployed fastest and most effectively. At the same time, government must act to secure the UK’s supply chain opportunity, ensuring that investment into projects involving partners such as Eni through Liverpool Bay CO₂ transport and storage project, and the broader HyNet cluster, translates into domestic jobs, skills development and manufacturing growth across the North West.

With the industrial base, infrastructure and project pipeline already in place, the North West is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of the UK’s hydrogen transition. With the right signals from government in 2026, the region stands ready to turn national ambition into real-world delivery.

The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has announced a batch of new members following the success of Hydrogen Week 2024.

The University of Manchester and consulting firms Tetra Tech and Net Zero Energy Systems are the latest hydrogen producers to join the NWHA’s growing membership – which now sits at over 40 members.

The news comes on the back of the UK’s second Hydrogen Week (26th Feb – 3rd March 2024) – a week long initiative spearheaded by the NWHA which saw thousands of individuals and companies celebrate and promote the role of hydrogen in reaching net zero. Sponsored by bp, Cadent Gas Limited, HyNet, Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited and SSE plc the week saw events taking place from the Scottish Highlands to Bristol. From conferences, school workshops and skills academies to blogs, podcasts and roadshows, the UK was alive with hydrogen activity.

The hydrogen clusters across the UK came together in a webinar hosted by the NWHA to discuss ongoing plans for leveraging the hydrogen opportunity with a clear message that regions need to collaborate to deliver a world leading hydrogen economy in the UK.

Dave Richardson, Interim Chair of the NWHA and Decarbonisation Solutions Director at Costain said:
“Once again it’s been amazing to see the UK come together to celebrate hydrogen. We’re proud to have launched the initiative last year and 2024 has been even bigger and better. One of the clear messages was that the UK needs to unite and collaborate if we are to really capitalise on the hydrogen opportunity. That’s one of the things that the NWHA helps to foster, and we’re really pleased to be welcoming three new members to the fold. Their breadth of experience and knowledge will really add to our already strong membership.”

The University of Manchester boasts a dynamic team of over 70 academics dedicated to pioneering research in various hydrogen-related fields. This extensive research encompasses a broad range of topics such as hydrogen production, purification, storage, transportation and utilisation.

Dr. Lin Ma, Lecturer, and Dr Vincenzo Spallina, Reader (Associate Professors) at The University of Manchester said: “The University of Manchester is actively involved in hydrogen-related research. The research areas include various aspects of Hydrogen Production and Delivery, Hydrogen Storage and a number of cross-cutting topics including policy and social aspects. By joining the Alliance, academics and researchers of the University of Manchester will have a focused platform for hydrogen-related contacts, research and business opportunities. They will be able to translate their research results to the benefit of North West industries and communities.”

Tetra Tech has built a strong legacy within the region by providing innovative, technical solutions which will be at the forefront of their approach as they help clients with the transition to hydrogen.

Craig Hatch, Division President, EUD Division, Tetra Tech said: “The Tetra Tech group of companies look forward to collaborating with our industry peers as a member of the North West Hydrogen Alliance working together to support the UK in meeting its net zero commitments. Tetra Tech has built a legacy of Leading with Science® by providing innovative, technical solutions and this will be at the forefront of our approach as we help clients with their transition to hydrogen.”

Net Zero Energy Systems provides technical and management consultancy services to clients. Engaged in various decarbonisation initiatives in Wales, the organisation aims to forge partnerships with neighbouring companies in the North West. By integrating their decarbonisation plans, they seek to contribute to the overarching industrial decarbonisation plan for North Wales, ultimately benefiting the entire region.

Grant Spence, Managing Director at Net Zero Energy Systems said: “I’m delighted that Net Zero Energy Systems is joining the North West Hydrogen Alliance. With our activities supporting UK decarbonisation projects being increasingly focused on the North West of England and North Wales, it made a lot of sense to apply to join NWHA to access increased collaboration opportunities and also to help support delivery of the NWHA’s mission objectives.”

A new study by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has shown that demand for low carbon hydrogen in the North West could support up to 2GW of hydrogen production by 2030 – a fifth of the Government’s target for the whole of the UK.

It is expected that industry and power generation will be the first movers for significant take up of hydrogen with estimates revealing total demand in the region could support up to 7.5GW of hydrogen production by 2050. Demand is also expected to come from transport and heating buildings.

The North West is one of the first two decarbonised energy clusters given Government backing with HyNet North West selected as a Track-1 Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) cluster. With a number of hydrogen projects already underway including green hydrogen, hydrogen buses, trials of hydrogen in industry and salt cavern hydrogen storage, the North West is set to be the first region to develop a hydrogen market in the UK.

The study has been published to mark the UK’s second Hydrogen Week (Monday 26th February – Sunday 3rd March 2024) which is spearheaded by the NWHA. Returning for its second year, the national awareness raising week is bringing together industry, academia and government to facilitate the UK’s role as a world leader in hydrogen and capitalise on the huge opportunity the sector offers for both reducing carbon emissions and driving green economic growth. Hydrogen Week 2024 is sponsored by SSE, bp, HyNet North West, Cadent, Draeger and Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited.

Helen Boyle, Head of Regional Development (North West and Midlands) at Cadent on behalf of the NWHA said: “For the first time we have a complete understanding of the expected hydrogen demand in the region. The North West is set to become the UK’s home of hydrogen with industrial businesses already signed up to switch to this low carbon fuel and decarbonise their operations. Hydrogen can also revolutionise how we balance the energy system, travel around the country and heat our homes and businesses. This study comes as we celebrate the UK’s second national Hydrogen Week – which brings together stakeholders from across the UK to celebrate and promote the role of hydrogen in reaching net zero.”

Earlier this year, NWHA member EET Hydrogen secured planning permission to build the UK’s first large scale, low carbon hydrogen production plant in the UK located at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. With construction expected to begin later this year, the hub could produce 1GW of hydrogen by 2030.

The North West Hydrogen Demand Side Study can be viewed here.

The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has today published its manifesto for delivering a world leading hydrogen economy in the North West of England.

The document sets out a number of recommendations that the NWHA believes are essential for the UK to capitalise on the hydrogen opportunity – which it is estimated will create 100,000 jobs and £13bn of GVA in the UK by 2050.

It calls for Government to accelerate its hydrogen ambitions including:

• Set a new national target of 20GW of hydrogen by 2035 with the North West able to deliver up to 6GW with the right support from Government
• Accelerate projects in the carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) clusters to enable the UK to hit production targets
• Accelerate hydrogen transport and storage business models and provide interim measures to unlock early infrastructure
• Deliver a national supply chain and skills strategy which reflects the strengths and needs of different regions and which can support the reskilling and training a net zero future will require
• Review of planning processes for hydrogen to provide direction and a framework for new hydrogen infrastructure
• National public engagement programme around net zero to prepare consumers and foster public awareness and acceptability
• Create an enabling regulatory environment to unlock investment in electricity infrastructure to support the growth of green hydrogen production

Helen Boyle, Head of Regional Development (North West and Midlands) at Cadent on behalf of the NWHA said: “This manifesto sets out what’s required to deliver a world leading hydrogen economy. This is a once in a generation opportunity but the UK must move further and faster. Demand for hydrogen in the North West is extremely strong, with industry standing ready to invest in a greener future. Our manifesto sets out how working together we can unlock this low carbon energy opportunity and secure and create jobs for the region and beyond.”

The North West will be the first to develop a decarbonised, hydrogen-inclusive energy market and is one of the first two decarbonised energy clusters given Government backing. The region is home to over 4GW of production capacity currently being developed – with projects including the world leading hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet, Trafford Green Hydrogen and First Hydrogen production plans in Liverpool and Manchester. It is estimated that the North West could deliver 6GW by 2035, but only if the region moves quickly and with the right support from Government.

‘A manifesto for delivering a world leading hydrogen economy in the North West’ can be viewed here.

The manifesto is launched ahead of Hydrogen Week 2024 (Monday 26^th February – Sunday 3^rd March 2024) which is spearheaded by the NWHA. Returning for its second year, the national awareness raising week will bring together industry, academia and government to facilitate the UK’s role as a world leader in hydrogen and capitalise on the huge opportunity the sector offers for both reducing carbon emissions and driving green economic growth.

Hydrogen Week 2024 is sponsored by SSE, bp, HyNet North West, Cadent, Draeger and Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited.

The dedicated website www.hydrogenweek.co.uk is a hub for all activity taking place and provides a platform to share opinions and best practice on hydrogen. To get involved visit the website or contact hydrogenweek@fontcomms.com. You can follow Hydrogen Week on social channels @H2WeekUK and using the hashtag #H2Week.

Following the success of the inaugural Hydrogen Week in February 2023, dates have been announced for the 2024 awareness raising week. Taking place from Monday 26^th February until Friday 1^st March 2024 it will bring together stakeholders from across the nation to collaborate, celebrate and promote the role of hydrogen in reaching the UK’s net zero targets.

With over 6,300 individuals and 110 partners and supporters taking part in this year’s Hydrogen Week, 2024 is set to be even bigger. Spearheaded by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA), Hydrogen Week 2024 will unite hydrogen regions across the UK with Hydrogen UK, Hydrogen East, Net Zero Industry Wales, The Solent Cluster, East Midlands Hydrogen and Hydrogen South West already signed up as partners.

The week-long event will bring together industry, academia and government to facilitate the UK’s role as a world leader in hydrogen and capitalise on the huge opportunity the sector offers for both reducing carbon emissions and driving green economic growth.

Organisations and individuals across the UK are being called on to once again get involved by holding hydrogen themed events and activities. This year saw businesses, community groups, schools, universities and supporters from across the nation take part with an array of events, podcasts, exhibitions, reports and educational initiatives – with everything from a rocket launch to buggy racing!

Dr Tony Smith, Chair of the NWHA, said: “We all know that urgent action is needed to protect the planet and reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen is set to play a pivotal role in that transition, providing clean energy for our homes, businesses and transport networks.

“We have the opportunity to be world leaders in developing a hydrogen economy which could create 100,000 jobs and £13 billion of GVA in the UK by 2050. Hydrogen Week is a great opportunity for the UK to come together and shine a spotlight on the progress we’ve already made. This year thousands of people from Aberdeen to Bristol to Northern Ireland took part and we’re urging more people to get involved in Hydrogen Week 2024 so we can increase understanding about the role hydrogen can play in achieving net zero.”

Clare Jackson, Chief Executive of Hydrogen UK said: “We are excited to be supporting UK Hydrogen Week again after last year’s success! 2024 will be an important year for hydrogen as we will start to see production projects taking final investment decisions and beginning construction. The UK is well placed to capitalise on the opportunities presented by hydrogen but only if we push on and deliver on our ambitions. Hydrogen UK looks forward to working with the UK Hydrogen Week to raise the profile of technologies and projects and ensure that the role that hydrogen will play in delivering Net Zero is well understood across the country.”

Hydrogen Week 2024 is sponsored by SSE Thermal, Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited (NVFCL), Cadent and HyNet North West with further sponsorship opportunities available.

BUSINESS leaders in Cumbria have signalled their strong commitment to promoting hydrogen as a driver for clean economic growth in the region. The Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is the first LEP to join the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA), the regional coalition bringing together some of the most influential organisations to develop the North West as the UK’s primary hydrogen economy.

The LEP actively champions the prominent role that hydrogen has to play in helping the North West and the UK reach net zero. Its Clean Energy Strategy sets out how the county – already a significant contributor of clean power to the rest of the UK – can benefit from hydrogen, with operators actively planning hydrogen generation and distribution projects in the region.

Formally adopted last year, their strategy sets out how Cumbria is in a prime position to take advantage of hydrogen investments. Along other sources of clean energy, it could contribute to 9GW of clean energy generation in the county by 2040 and create up to 13,000 new jobs.

Joining the NWHA signals their further commitment to hydrogen as a sustainable catalyst for local growth and investment. The LEP recently supported Carlton Power on their £40m green hydrogen project in Barrow-in-Furness, in partnership with Barrow Borough Council, Cadent Gas and Electricity North West. The LEP recognise that this major project will unlock new investment and further support the growth of a hydrogen economy in Cumbria – diversifying local clean energy sources and underpinning the region’s security of supply.

Critical to tapping into the economic benefits is the region’s carbon capture and storage potential. The LEP is publicly advocating for Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ), a major carbon capture storage facility proposed by Spirit Energy, planned to redeploy depleted gas fields in Morecambe Bay to combine large scale carbon storage with hydrogen generation.

Dr Tony Smith, Interim Chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance, said:

“As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, it is more important than ever to work with organisations like Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership to drive local innovation, create jobs within our communities and lead the energy transition. Such strategic organisations can effectively link new energy projects with much-needed economic growth, ensuring we recognise and unlock the opportunities in the North West in a way that benefits our communities and businesses.

“It is great to see leaders in Cumbria supporting projects of scale such as those in Barrow-in-Furness and Morecambe Bay. It is these important partnerships that nurture collaboration and offer real solutions to industries that are looking to tackle their carbon emissions. We’re collaborating with the LEP to align regional ambitions and create an investible and sustainable net zero cluster that spans the whole of the North West.”

Ian Wheeler, Head of Sectors at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“Our joining of the North West Hydrogen Alliance is a symbol of the level of opportunity we think hydrogen could provide in Cumbria. Not only will it help cut carbon emissions and further increase the amount of clean energy we generate, but it’ll create new economic and job opportunities in communities with a rich history of energy innovation.

“We’ve seen the incredible work the Alliance has done over the past few years to establish the North West as leader in the UK’s hydrogen journey. We’re excited to demonstrate how Cumbria’s unique natural assets and industrial heritage will provide a platform to become a major contributor to the UK’s net zero future.”

The North West Hydrogen Alliance is the largest industry-funded regional hydrogen alliance, representing 40 of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the development of a hydrogen economy in the North West of England.

Over 350 scientists and engineers of the future have been learning about climate change, carbon emissions, renewable energy and the role that hydrogen will play in reaching net zero. Thanks to a new partnership between the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NHWA), industrial decarbonisation project HyNet and Mad Science – a leading children’s science enrichment and education provider.

Ten schools across the North West have benefitted from workshops delivered by Mad Science, spearheaded by the NWHA.  The workshops, ran as part of the UK’s first national Hydrogen Week and have inspired over 350 pupils through hands-on, learning experiences.

The hour-long fun and engaging workshops taught children about climate change, fossil fuels and carbon emissions in a fun, engaging way as well as the importance of renewable energy sources, energy conservation and the role of hydrogen as a low carbon energy source.  Pupils even got to grips with a prototype hydrogen powered car to learn about how energy is produced through a hydrogen fuel cell.

Linked to the core Key Stage 2 curriculum, the workshop encouraged children to think about sustainability issues and the impact of climate change, rising temperatures and melting ice caps.

Mad Science also delivered workshop demonstrations at the NWHA’s major conference ‘Delivering the Hydrogen Economy’ last month in Liverpool, which brought together over 250 delegates and speakers including Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, INEOS Inovyn, Cadent Gas, Vertex Hydrogen, Enciric and Pilkington and Carlton Power.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director Thornton Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“The team at Mad Science do great work delivering interactive workshops in schools and teaching young people about science in a way that is fun, engaging and sparks children’s natural curiosity. 

“At the NWHA, we are determined to inspire young people and help them to learn about climate change, renewable energy and demonstrate that projects like HyNet are taking place right on their doorstep with the power to change our future energy mix.

“It is absolutely fantastic that over 350 local pupils have already had the opportunity to get involved in these workshops, with more to come. I’m sure that the children will go on to explore and learn more about science, climate change and technology and maybe even become the hydrogen researchers and climate scientists of the future!”

David Walker, HyNet Project Manager said:

“We are proud to partner with the NWHA and Mad Science to inspire the future generation and to enable more children, here in the North West of England and North Wales to benefit from science education.

“HyNet will enable industry to switch across from using fossil fuels to low carbon hydrogen – including from factories like Kellogg’s, Pilkington Glass and Essity. This will drastically reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they produce.  HyNet will also capture carbon emissions from industry which will then be locked away forever, under the sea.

“We fully understand the value of engaging with younger generations to answer their important questions and explain how the cereal they eat in the morning could soon be produced by low carbon fuel produced just down the road from their school!”

Tom Davies, Deputy Manager at Mad Science, said:

“At Mad Science our mission is to inspire children through science and spark their imagination, so we are really grateful for the support of NWHA and Progressive Energy which has enabled us to reach more children across the North West and give more young people the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by our workshops.

“It is clear from working with the team at NWHA that they are committed to delivering a low carbon economy and reaching net zero, which aligns perfectly with our work teaching children about climate change, carbon emissions, fossil fuels and renewable energy.

“The children who have taken part in these workshops have learnt a huge amount and had a lot of fun along the way too!”

The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) announces a batch of new members following the success of the UK’s first Hydrogen Week held last month.

Glass manufacturer and filler Encirc, international multi-disciplinary consultancy Stopford and Manchester Airport are the latest to join the NWHA’s growing and diverse membership.

The news comes on the back of the UK’s first Hydrogen Week (13th – 19th February 2023) which saw over 6,300 individuals and 110 supporters take part. From Aberdeen to Bristol, organisations of all sizes got involved with everything from podcasts and blogs to schools outreach, roundtables and virtual tours.

Spearheaded by the NWHA, the week long campaign aimed to unify all regions of the UK to celebrate and promote the role of hydrogen in reaching net zero and capitalise on the huge economic benefits on offer.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“We were absolutely blown away by the thousands of people that took part in the first national Hydrogen Week. But the mark of real success was how it brought together organisations of all sizes, from schools to big business, and across the entire UK. The momentum the week created is undeniable and should demonstrate to Government and investors alike that we are ready to deliver a hydrogen economy in the UK.

“Encirc, Stopford and Manchester Airport join the Alliance at a pivotal moment and all have something unique to offer, demonstrating the real range of applications hydrogen can have in the journey to net zero.”

Encirc recently announced plans to build a new hydrogen furnace at its Elton plant in Cheshire to create the world’s first net zero glass bottles at scale by 2030. Decarbonising glass packaging will be a key part of the Government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050.

Adrian Curry, Managing Director at Encirc, said:

“As a packaging material, glass is best for health, taste, and the environment but there’s no denying that the manufacturing process is carbon intensive. We’ve worked tirelessly to find solutions to this and in 2021, completed a successful trial making the world’s most sustainable bottles. Introducing hydrogen to power our furnaces will allow us to take our sustainability efforts to the next level, and fight for a low carbon economy. Joining the NWHA makes perfect sense to us, allowing us to share our knowledge with others, to promote a green recovery.”

Stopford is an international multi-disciplinary consultancy, engineering design and project management services company, headquartered in Manchester. Stopford have extensive experience in both the production and uses of hydrogen and share a vision to bring science and technology together to decarbonise economies and transition to net zero.

Prith Rajendran, Managing Director at Stopford said:

“We are pleased to be part of the NWHA supporting the region’s hydrogen based economy. Stopford is involved in all areas of the emerging hydrogen economy, aligned with our company ambition to lead the way in engineering a sustainable world through the transition to a low carbon economy. We are keen to share our experience and capability, collaborate with likeminded organisations and play our part in realising the North West’s net zero ambitions”.

Manchester Airport is working in partnership with hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet North West with the aim to deliver hydrogen to the aviation sector at the earliest opportunity, including through the connection of Manchester Airport to the hydrogen pipeline being developed by HyNet.

Adam Freeman, Head of ESG and Environmental Strategy said:

“Manchester Airports Group is a leader in the effort to decarbonise the aviation industry. We’re pleased to be able to continue this work through the North West Hydrogen Alliance, supporting the region as it realises the benefits of a hydrogen economy.

“Manchester Airport is working in partnership with HyNet to deliver hydrogen to the aviation sector at the earliest opportunity. By securing a direct pipeline connection between the HyNet project and Manchester Airport, our 60 airlines will be able to make use of this exciting and ground-breaking technology as soon as possible.”

The North West Hydrogen Alliance is the largest industry-funded regional hydrogen alliance, representing nearly 40 of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the development of a hydrogen economy in the North West of England.”

Now a month has passed since the UK’s first Hydrogen Week, I’ve had the chance to catch my breath and reflect on all the events, activity and hard work that made the week such a success.

When we first had the idea of creating a Hydrogen Week we didn’t know whether the rest of the nation would get behind it, but it was wonderful to see how it reached right across the UK. It was truly national in every aspect – with over 6,300 people taking part from Aberdeen to Bristol, Sheffield to London and Stoke to Northern Ireland. And it was great to work with so many communities and organisations of all shapes and sizes, ranging from local authorities to schools and universities, as well as big businesses and SMEs.

We had everything from podcasts and blogs to workshops, roundtables and virtual tours. The North West’s showcase event ‘Delivering the Hydrogen Economy’ in Liverpool – featuring a keynote speech from Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram – was a real highlight, providing a great platform to showcase the progress being made in the region on hydrogen delivery.

Hydrogen Week is all about raising the profile of hydrogen and educating people on how it can help us reach net zero. And as Professor at the University of Chester I was particularly happy to see how many education activities happened during the week. The NWHA and HyNet North West sponsored Mad Science to visit local schools for hands-on hydrogen learning and experiments; children got to play the interactive Net Zero game at the Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre in Widnes which we helped develop; and Riverside College in the Liverpool City Region had a week full of hydrogen related activity including a competition and virtual reality workshop. And that’s just to name a few!

With nearly 80,000 social media views and wide-ranging media coverage across local regional and national outlets reaching 4 million people we certainly succeeded in our aim of raising awareness of hydrogen across the nation.

I’d like to say a big thank you to our Hydrogen Week sponsors – SSE Thermal and Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited – and to our 110 supporters.  Without them we couldn’t have made this happen. It’s their hard work that went into organising events and school visits, spreading the word, making STEM learning fun for our young people and shining a light on the vital role hydrogen can play in reaching our clean energy ambitions.

We now need to build on the momentum of Hydrogen Week, working together and collaborating across government, industry and the public to make the UK a world leader in low carbon hydrogen. 2023 is going to be a huge year for everyone committed to delivering a hydrogen economy and a net zero future and one clear message from Hydrogen Week was the need for an Energy Bill to provide policy certainty and confidence for industry and investors.

Onwards and upwards – we have a lot of work to do, and I’m already looking forward to a bigger, better and brighter Hydrogen Week in 2024!

If you’re interested in getting involved in Hydrogen Week 2024 get in touch at hydrogenweek@fontcomms.com

• New analysis shows that a hydrogen-ready boiler mandate from 2026 would save up to £36 billion in boiler replacement costs
• Delaying a mandate until 2030 would cost up to an additional £8.6 billion
• 2026 mandate would also speed up boiler conversion, reduce disruption and provide certainty for industry to drive investment

The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NHWA) has called on the Government to mandate hydrogen ready boilers from 2026 in order to save consumers up to £36 billion in boiler replacement costs and help cut carbon emissions on the route to net zero.

Modelled against the National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios where hydrogen heating plays a role in reaching net zero, NWHA analysis shows that delaying a mandate until 2030 could cost an additional £8.6 billion. Responding to the Government’s Improving Boiler Standards and Efficiency consultation, the NHWA is advocating urgent action to provide certainty for the industry and drive investment.

A decision by the Government on whether hydrogen should be part of the solution to decarbonise heating homes will be made in 2026. Introducing a mandate will ensure that a large proportion of the UK’s boiler stock is hydrogen ready – this would speed up conversion and reduce disruption for consumers as only a short conversion process is required rather than installation of a new boiler. Hydrogen ready boilers are designed to run on the existing gas grid and can also be easily converted by installers to run on pure hydrogen. Hydrogen heating requires much lower capital costs than heat pumps, which cost an average of £13,000 – five times the cost of a boiler.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“Almost 20% of UK carbon emissions come from heating buildings. Hydrogen heating is critical to decarbonising Britain’s homes and achieving our net-zero ambitions. In the North West alone if just 50% of homes moved to hydrogen heating this would save 3 million tonnes of CO₂ every year.

“Doing nothing is not an option and while we will need a mix of solutions, including electrification, the UK cannot cost effectively decarbonise its housing stock without hydrogen. Introducing a hydrogen ready boiler mandate will enable consumers to choose between several decarbonisation options, whilst minimising disruption and saving up to £36 billion in boiler replacement costs.

“We urge the Government to take urgent action in bringing forward a hydrogen ready boiler mandate, as delaying will cost billions more. Our research shows that putting back a mandate for just four years would add £8.6 billion to the overall cost. Pushing ahead with a mandate will send the industry a strong message of certainty which will support investment in the entire hydrogen economy. A failure to act now just stores up more costs, more delay and more problems further down the line.”

Heat is responsible for almost half of UK energy demand and buildings are responsible for almost 20% of all UK carbon emissions. Using hydrogen for heating could reduce average household emissions by 2.4 tonnes of CO₂  per year, reducing residents’ carbon footprint by 35%.

The North West is one of two locations being considered by Government as the home of the UK’s first Hydrogen Village. If the North West bid, by Cadent and British Gas, is successful, residents within Whitby, Ellesmere Port in Cheshire could swap from natural gas to hydrogen in 2025. The Hydrogen Village trial will inform the decision by Government on the future role of hydrogen to heat homes due in 2026. The NWHA has thrown its support behind the Whitby Hydrogen Village trial which would cement the North West’s position as the UK’s first hydrogen region.

Marc Clarke, Head of Hydrogen Consumer at Cadent said:

“Given the potential for our gas networks to be converted to hydrogen in the not-too-distant future and when you consider the lifetime of an appliance like a boiler for a central heating system may be more than 10-15 years’ we definitely need the Government to support mandating hydrogen ready boilers.

“Coupled with the opportunity to provide consumers with greater informed choice and a broader range of options for future heat in their homes without compromising the availability or roll-out of low-carbon heating technologies – making hydrogen-ready boilers mandatory seems like a no regrets way to help people get the heating option of their choice”.

TWO professional services giants are backing the North West’s role in the UK’s hydrogen economy.

Jacobs and WSP are the latest major private sector companies to join the North West Hydrogen Alliance, the regional body made up of the most influential organisations involved in the development of a hydrogen economy in the UK.

The move recognises the major opportunity of hydrogen and the role that it will play in reaching net zero in the UK. It follows significant commitments by the Government, including doubling the hydrogen production target to 10GW by 2030 and the appointment of a national hydrogen champion in Jane Toogood.

With significant hydrogen production and transportation projects planned in the North West, the region’s engineering consultancies will play a pivotal role in the design, assessment and construction of new infrastructure. Their services and skills will aid delivery of hydrogen-related projects, from electrolysers and carbon capture schemes, to the development of hydrogen derived from nuclear.

Greg Willetts, Vice President, Technology & Cyber, Jacobs, said:

“Joining the NWHA will enhance our ability to promote hydrogen related development, including the potentially key role of ‘nuclear-derived hydrogen’ in the UK’s newly increased ambition to deliver 10 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030.  It also means that, alongside other members, we can help shape and influence our journey to a more connected, sustainable world.”

Chris Nunn, Director, Land & Planning at WSP, said:

“The North West is at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise UK industry and projects such as HyNet and the Hydrogen Village are playing a vital role in developing our hydrogen economy.

“The NWHA is providing an important forum to both promote and support these initiatives, and through our membership we’re excited to play a part in realising the opportunity hydrogen provides to reach net zero in the UK by 2050.”

Jacobs and WSP join the impressive roster of Alliance organisations aiming to secure sustained investment in the North West.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“It’s a massive deal for Jacobs and WSP, two of the most respected professional services practices in the region, to throw their weight behind the region’s hydrogen future. They see the opportunity not only for their businesses, but for the North West’s green economy. Both are actively involved in the design, delivery and consenting of hydrogen projects and will bring further technical firepower to the Alliance and the recommendations we make to regional and national government about the smooth rollout of key technologies.”

With a strong commitment to decarbonising industry and hitting net zero targets, the Alliance advances the case for delivery of a full-system hydrogen economy in the North West of England. The North West recently published a roadmap to net zero for the region with hydrogen playing a central role in the region’s industrial decarbonisation strategy. You can view the report here.

The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) is urging Government to accelerate its plan for hydrogen storage business models. A new report ‘The role of storage in delivering a hydrogen economy in the UK’ makes it clear that while support mechanisms to support hydrogen production are progressing well towards implementation, greater focus is needed on the distribution and storage infrastructure required to deliver hydrogen at scale.

The call follows the publication of the Hydrogen Sector Development Action Plan last month, which confirmed the Government’s intention to design new business models for storage infrastructure by 2025. The industry group believes this is an insufficiently ambitious target that risks deterring timely investment in clean energy storage, which is vital for the UK to take control of its clean energy security, and is calling for it to be brought forward to at least 2023.

The report outlines why large scale storage is essential for hydrogen to deliver its vital role in decarbonising the UK.

• Providing national energy security and resilience
• To balance our clean energy system, storing hydrogen when renewable electricity generation is high and releasing it when it’s low
• To minimise system costs by maximising the utilisation of carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) enabled hydrogen production facilities, enabling them to operate at a consistent high load factor all year round
• To balance the energy supply to meet the variable demands of commercial, power generation and domestic heating on a daily and seasonal basis
• To balance energy supply to meet the variable demands for electricity providing a fast dispatchable source of power
• To enable hydrogen blending into the gas distribution network

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Thornton Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“Storage is vital to unlocking the full potential of hydrogen and is essential for UK energy security. It will play an important role in balancing hydrogen production from intermittent renewables and helping to manage the UK’s daily and seasonable fluctuating heating demands.

“While progress is being made on developing much needed business models for hydrogen production, Government needs to also press ahead with policy around hydrogen storage. We’re calling for the 2025 deadline for hydrogen storage business models to be brought forward to 2023, to unlock investment and ensure these storage projects, which inevitably have a long lead in time, are ready for when production ramps up. The North West Hydrogen Alliance stands ready to work with Government to achieve this.”

The report estimates that around 4TWh of underground storage will be required to balance the seasonal variation in hydrogen demand per 1 million homes in the UK. Hydrogen can be stored underground either in salt caverns or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. In the North West of England plans are being developed by INEOS to store hydrogen in Cheshire salt caverns as part of the HyNet North West project. The report also calls for the hydrogen transport network and hydrogen storage infrastructure to be developed in tandem to ensure that stored hydrogen can reach its end users.

The Energy Security Bill, which was introduced to parliament earlier this month, identified a vital role for hydrogen in decarbonising the UK, with the hydrogen production target doubled from 5GW to 10GW by 2030.

The North West is already making significant strides in developing a hydrogen economy. The region is home to the leading hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet North West, which will deliver amongst the lowest cost CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure in the UK by extensively repurposing existing onshore and offshore assets. The project can deliver nearly 40% of the Government’s new national 2030 target for low carbon hydrogen production. Able to benefit from the existing regional technical skill base in engineering, chemicals production, refining and offshore oil and gas, HyNet North West is planning to be operational from 2025.

The NWHA report ‘‘The role of storage in delivering a hydrogen economy in the UK’ can be viewed here: https://nwhydrogenalliance.co.uk/news-stories/report-the-role-of-storage-in-delivering-a-hydrogen-economy-in-the-uk/.

A new report reveals how the North West could build on world leading plans for local low carbon hydrogen production and use by also pioneering low carbon energy imports through ramping up Britain’s use of ammonia.

The report, ‘The role of ammonia in the North West hydrogen economy’ by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA), outlines how using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier could further boost its rollout in the UK as a low carbon fuel. Doing so could also diversify the energy being imported into the UK.

Hydrogen forms a key part of the UK’s net zero plans, recently featuring heavily in the Government’s Energy Security Strategy and the North West’s Cluster Plan, a roadmap to decarbonising the region’s industrial cluster.

Low carbon hydrogen will be transported via pipelines for distribution to industry and other sectors of the economy to replace fossil fuels or refrigerated to very low temperatures to store and transport it in liquid form for international shipping. Using ammonia – a compound made of hydrogen and nitrogen – means it can be easier to liquify and transport over long distances. It can also provide additional hydrogen storage capacity.

 Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Thornton Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

 “The Government has doubled its 2030 hydrogen production target and it’s a major part of the UK’s green future. Ammonia could be an important component of the hydrogen economy, providing a cost-effective way to store and transport the low-carbon fuel around the UK and beyond.

 “The North West is ideally placed to capitalise on this market. We have mature supply chains used to producing and handling ammonia in large quantities, coupled with a high demand for hydrogen from industry looking to decarbonise. Ammonia could also be key to decarbonising our energy imports through destinations like the Port of Liverpool.

 “The success of ammonia will be down to its versatility. Not only can it be a low carbon hydrogen carrier, but it can also be used as a green fertiliser and shipping fuel.”

 Ammonia alone can be used as a low-carbon fertiliser or even a green shipping fuel. Alternatively, by converting it to hydrogen it can then be used more widely for transport, industry, heating homes and in power generation.

The North West’s industrial leaders say the region is in a prime spot to develop this low carbon market. Not only does the region have a high demand for hydrogen, due to levels of energy-intensive industries, but it already has a long history of large scale ammonia production, with the UK’s largest ammonia manufacturer, CF Fertilisers located near Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.

More broadly, ammonia could also play a role in decarbonising the UK’s energy imports. The low cost of solar energy overseas mean green ammonia plants in places like North Africa and the Middle East could supplement domestic supply. With the UK currently importing some 200TWh of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) every year, ammonia can act as low carbon alternative. With the North West boasting one of the UK’s largest and most centrally placed ports at Liverpool, it could be a key location for ammonia imports.

The North West is already making significant strides in developing a hydrogen economy. The region is home to the leading hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet North West, which will deliver amongst the lowest cost CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure in the UK by extensively repurposing existing onshore and offshore assets. The project can deliver nearly 40% of the Government’s new national 2030 target for low carbon hydrogen production. Able to benefit from the existing regional technical skill base in engineering, chemicals production, refining and offshore oil and gas, HyNet North West is planning to be operational from 2025.

The NWHA report ‘The role of ammonia in the North West hydrogen economy’ can be viewed here: REPORT: The role of ammonia in the North West hydrogen economy – NWHA (nwhydrogenalliance.co.uk)

Ellesmere Port in the North West could be home to the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’ in a project that’s critical to helping solve the global climate crisis. Up to 2,000 properties in the Whitby area of the town would stop using natural gas for heating and cooking, and instead use hydrogen. The proposal, put forward by gas distribution network Cadent and British Gas, and supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, is today confirmed in a shortlist of two locations hoping to be the first to use hydrogen on this scale. The chosen location will start being supplied with hydrogen in 2025. Further details available at Whitby – Your Hydrogen Village.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Thornton Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

 “This is another watershed moment for the North West in leading the rollout of hydrogen in the UK. Much has been made of hydrogen as a way to cut emissions from industry, but it will also play a critical role in our everyday lives as a low carbon way to heat our homes. Creating a hydrogen village is the natural next step in making the switch away from natural gas and we’re strongly backing the bid by Cadent and British Gas, supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

 “Ellesmere Port is the ideal strategic location for a hydrogen village – closely linked to HyNet’s planned hydrogen production and carbon capture infrastructure. If picked, it will be a triumph to see the first 2000 homes in the North West using low carbon hydrogen.

 “Government has recognised the role of hydrogen in both reaching net zero and increasing our energy security, it’s practical projects like the hydrogen village that will demonstrate that positive change is happening. The North West’s leaders, businesses and academic institutions are all working together to make hydrogen a reality, capitalising on our industries, skills and natural assets. The region is the clear choice for such an innovative energy project.”

Congratulations to our chair Professor Joe Howe who’s made it into Insider North West’s first Green Power List.

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/first-ever-green-power-list-revealed

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has released its latest report focusing on ‘Decarbonising heat in homes’. It follows an enquiry aiming to identify skills and policy gaps in the UK’s transition to net zero, tackling the challenging issue of decarbonising how we heat our homes.

The report calls for direction, clarity and coherence, with a range of policies needed in order to decarbonise homes in order to hit climate targets. The report explores extensively the role of heat pumps in decarbonising homes, detailing the challenges around low take-up rates; the skills gap holding rapid expansion back; and the need for financial support to transition to low-carbon heating.

Whilst the report makes recommendations for heat pumps and networks, it largely overlooks the future role of hydrogen in heating homes. As recognised by both BEIS and the Climate Change Committee (CCC), hydrogen is predicted to play a pivotal role in the UK’s decarbonisation, from use in energy-intensive industries and as a transport fuel, to a green alternative to gas boilers.

Already, work is underway to create demonstrator ‘hydrogen homes’ and blend hydrogen into the gas network, with further planned developments in 2022 including development of the first hydrogen villages.

The North West Hydrogen Alliance is writing to the Committee, encouraging its members to further explore the role hydrogen will play in heating and provide reassurance on several key issues such as safety and viability when rolling out to consumers.

 Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“There’s no doubt that, in order to hit ambitious climate change targets, rapid change and progressive energy policies are needed – with challenges for both industries and communities. With the scale of the challenge laid out by the Committee, we can’t afford to gamble on one solution being the low carbon saviour, it’ll take multiple answers and a genuine energy mix.

“It’s surprising that hydrogen features so little in the decarbonising heat report, particularly given the extensive, ongoing work to build a UK hydrogen economy, and demonstrate that its use for heat is safe, affordable and viable for consumers.

“The Government should continue to embrace hydrogen as an answer to net zero. It’s repeatedly been shown that it could be key to both promoting consumer choice – as an alternative to heat pump installation – and increasing energy security and resilience.

“Given the current climate and debate around our reliance on overseas sources, a domestic hydrogen supply could be key to not only the net zero mission, but stability in energy bills for homes and energy-intensive industries alike.”

 

The Government has unveiled its strategy to level-up the UK, with the Levelling Up White Paper published on Wednesday 2 February 2022.

It details how the “Green Industrial Revolution” will require significant investment in new infrastructure and production processes using new technologies. This could average £50 to £60bn of capital investment per year by the late 2020s and into the 2030s.

As well as recognising that investment has the potential to benefit disproportionately less well-performing parts of the UK, particularly those with a rich heritage of manufacturing and engineering such as the North West, the strategy notes that there is also likely to be a big challenge when it comes to skills.

Hydrogen will be the foundation of the region’s transition and the UK’s green future, with rollout of the low-carbon energy source set to create jobs and new opportunities, underpinning levelling up.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“Hydrogen will be essential to delivering Net Zero and driving the green industrial revolution. In regions like the North West the burgeoning hydrogen economy will not only deliver the decarbonisation of our homes, industries and transport systems, it will drive new skills, thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment.

“We welcome the Levelling Up White Paper and urge Government to continue to support hydrogen as making a significant contribution to levelling up the UK.”

Hydrogen recognised as key to low carbon manufacturing  as Glass Futures join North West alliance

• Glass Futures join the North West Hydrogen Alliance to advance rollout of hydrogen-powered manufacturing in the region
• Hydrogen set to play key role in slashing emissions from glass manufacturing, with Global Centre of Excellence for low carbon glass to be built in St Helens North West of England

Glass Futures, an industry-leading innovator in low-carbon glass, is the latest organisation to join the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA). The move recognises the central role hydrogen is set to play in energy-intensive manufacturing in the region – in particular glass production.

The not-for-profit company partners with the global glass industry and the supply chain to pioneer technologies that will revolutionise glass manufacturing.

They’re behind development of a glassmaking Pilot Plant in St Helens in the North West of England. The £54m project – which will feature full plant utilities and services, a full-scale Batch Plant and an initial 30-tonnes per day furnace – will bridge the gap between research and commercial-scale deployment of low carbon production methods.

Now, Glass Futures have joined the 30-member strong NWHA to throw their weight behind delivery of a hydrogen-based economy in the region.

Aston Fuller, General Manager at Glass Futures said:

“Glass Futures is committed to making glass the low carbon material of choice and the use of hydrogen in glassmaking is one of the ways we can establish a route to a cleaner, more sustainable industry. The UK Government’s hydrogen strategy suggests that 20-35% of the UK’s energy consumption by 2050 could be hydrogen-based, meaning this new energy source could be critical in meeting our net-zero targets for reducing emissions by 2050.

“We are pleased to have joined the North West Hydrogen Alliance, we believe that the North West and the Liverpool City Region, with its innovative eco-system is the best placed for the delivery of hydrogen-based economy.”

Glass can play a key role in the UK’s sustainable future, with the material widely recyclable when used as packaging and circular economies already in place to minimise waste and pollution. But, with intense heat needed as part of the manufacturing process, innovation is needed to decarbonise the industry.

Progress is already being made in the North West, where some of the largest glass manufacturing facilities are clustered. Trials have been run at Pilkington’s St Helen’s facility to test 100% hydrogen-fired gas, which could significantly reduce carbon emissions as part of the race to reach net zero.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“Glass Futures are a real innovator, and we’re delighted to have them on board at the North West Hydrogen Alliance. Glass production is a great example of where hydrogen can play a leading role in delivering net zero ambitions on a practical scale. Creating greener, cleaner, more sustainable glass will bring us even closer to reaching those targets and reducing emissions across the industry. It is great to see Glass Futures working on this at the historic heart of the British glassmaking industry in St Helens.”

The NWHA is the largest industry-funded regional hydrogen alliance, representing over 30 of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the development of a hydrogen economy. With a strong commitment to decarbonising industry and hitting net zero targets, the Alliance advances the case for delivery of a full-system hydrogen economy in the North West of England.

YOUNGSTERS will be able to take on the climate change challenge thanks to a new interactive ‘Net Zero’ game at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and museum in Widnes.

Year 6 pupils at Lunt’s Heath Primary School in Widnes were the first to test run the Net Zero exhibit, made possible by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA), an alliance representing over 30 of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward a hydrogen economy in the region. They attended a launch event with Cllr Gill Wood, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency & Renewable Energy at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The three-level, fun-filled game teaches all ages about the ways in which we can help tackle the climate challenge and deliver a net zero future. It takes players on a journey from reliance on fossil fuels and gas to a greener future in 2050 where hydrogen is used to power industry, fuel our cars and heat our homes. The game is based on the North West and some of the projects anticipated to be delivered in the region over the coming years, including carbon capture and storage beneath Liverpool Bay as part of HyNet North West.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“Young people understand the simple fact that climate change is a massive risk to society and that we must make as many changes as we can to tackle it. We’ve got to empower the young generations to have a passion for delivering a greener future and equip them with knowledge of how that can happen. Our fantastic Catalyst exhibition brings that to life in way that is both educational and fun. “When it comes to hydrogen, there’ll be so many opportunities and jobs in the North West as we roll it out as a clean energy source. The children visiting the museum now could be the ones taking up these skilled roles in the future and we hope the new exhibit inspires them to think about a career in net zero.”

The donation from the NWHA follows swiftly on from COP26, the UN climate change conference, held in Glasgow. The North West has ambitions to become the UK’s first net zero region by 2040, with the rollout of hydrogen being a key contributor to reducing emissions.

Cllr Gill Wood, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency & Renewable Energy at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:

“The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was the first combined authority to declare a climate emergency and then put in place ambitious targets to become net zero. It’s fantastic to have this facility that gets children really thinking about the decisions and investment needed to reach our climate change goals. Hydrogen will play such a significant role in our low carbon future and will really transform the green opportunities for those in school now. Our young people today will be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, so it’s great to see them so enthused about tackling the climate change challenge.”

Catalyst features a range of interactive exhibits that bring subjects to life from Science, Maths, Engineering and Technology to the Humanities and Geography. The centre is open from 10am – 5pm from Tuesday – Sunday every week.

 Martin Pearson, Catalyst CEO, said:

 “It was fantastic to see the next generation of Scientists engaging with our new interactive ‘Net Zero’ exhibit sponsored by the North West Hydrogen Alliance.  The companies that make up the alliance will work together to ensure the Hydrogen economy grows in the North West of England building a sustainable future, reducing our carbon impact and creating jobs for the future. Catalyst is proud to play its part in the Science Communication of this important technology in a fun and educational way.”

Find out more about visiting Catalyst at:  https://www.catalyst.org.uk/

Discover further information about the work of the North West Hydrogen Alliance at: https://nwhydrogenalliance.co.uk/

Alstom and Eversholt Rail sign an agreement for the UK’s first ever brand-new hydrogen train fleet

• New co-operation agreement aims to provide an initial fleet of 10 new hydrogen trains for UK
• Industry first will help UK and Scotland Government ambitions to decarbonise rail

Alstom, Britain’s leading train manufacturer and maintenance provider, and Eversholt Rail, leading British train owner and financier, have today announced a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at delivering the UK’s first ever brand-new hydrogen train fleet. The two companies have agreed to work together, sharing technical and commercial information necessary for Alstom to design, build, commission and support a fleet of ten three-car hydrogen multiple units (HMUs). These will be built by Alstom in Britain. The new HMU fleet will be based on the latest evolution of the Alstom Aventra platform and the intention is that final contracts for the fleet will be signed in early 2022.

Eversholt Rail and Alstom are committed to taking a leading role in supporting the UK and Scotland Government ambitions to decarbonise its rail sector by 2040, and the Scottish Government’s objective of doing so by 2035. Alstom is a world leader in the provision of rolling stock solutions and was the first company in the world to produce a hydrogen powered train – the Coradia iLint – which is in operational service in Germany.

Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s Managing Director, UK & Ireland said: “COP26 is a reminder of just how urgent the need to decarbonise our world is. Rail is already the lowest emission transport mode, but we can do even more, and I am delighted that we have concluded this agreement with our friends at Eversholt Rail which will lead to Britain’s first ever fleet of new hydrogen trains.”

Mary Kenny, Eversholt Rail’s CEO said: “It is important that we start sooner rather than later to decarbonise UK Rail if we are to meet the 2050 ‘net-zero’ target. Hydrogen propulsion will play an important role, and this project with Alstom will demonstrate how the private sector can work together to make a difference.”

Alstom and Eversholt Rail have previously worked together on a hydrogen rolling stock solution for the UK rail sector, through the proposed conversion of an existing Electric Multiple Unit to hydrogen power – the ‘Breeze’ project. Both companies now believe that there is a market for a fleet of new trains for use by train operators across Britain. The breadth, depth of knowledge and experience gained from the Breeze project, together with stakeholder feedback on future fleet strategies, has been invaluable in shaping the product planning.

Building on Alstom’s long expertise in keeping Britain moving, the Aventra single-deck train has been developed for the requirements of mainline train operations, from high-capacity metro systems to intercity services. Designed to be the fastest, smartest, and most economical platform in modern rail, Aventra trains are modular, from carriage length to interior layout and design. They can easily be
modified for different customer requirements, while retaining core benefits such as a lightweight carbody and low lifecycle costs.

www.alstom.com

Notes to Editors
1. The agreement between Alstom and Eversholt Rail does not establish a partnership or joint venture between the Parties. Whilst each of the Parties intend to cooperate as described in the agreement, both Parties acknowledge that nothing in the agreement shall oblige either Party to enter into any further agreements. Aventra™, Coradia iLint™ and Alstom™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

About Alstom

Leading societies to a low carbon future, Alstom develops and markets mobility solutions that provide the sustainable
foundations for the future of transportation. Alstom’s product portfolio ranges from high-speed trains, metros, monorails and
trams, to integrated systems, customised services, infrastructure, signalling, and digital mobility solutions. Alstom has
150,000 vehicles in commercial service worldwide. With Bombardier Transportation joining Alstom on January 29, 2021, the
enlarged Group’s combined proforma revenue amounts to €14 billion for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021.
Headquartered in France, Alstom is now present in 70 countries and employs more than 70,000 people. www.alstom.com

About Eversholt Rail

Eversholt Rail owns UK passenger and freight rolling stock and has more than 25 years’ experience in the rail industry.
Eversholt Rail has invested more than £3bn in new trains since privatisation and continually invests in existing fleets to
maintain quality and reliability to deliver a better passenger experience. Eversholt Rail has a proud history of innovation and
plays an integral role in the growth and modernisation of the UK rail sector by introducing new products and technologies
into the market. www.eversholtrail.co.uk

Contacts Press:
Will Tanner – Tel.: +44 (0)7768 031663
will.tanner@alstomgroup.co

Peel Ports Group has committed to becoming a net zero port operator by 2040, ten years ahead of the UK Government’s national decarbonising targets.

The leading port operator, headquartered in Liverpool, owns some of the UK’s largest and most important ports including the Port of Liverpool, Clydeport and London Medway, and is the first major port group to convey such ambitious plans towards tackling climate change.

The group has unveiled a number of initiatives and investments to help drive a more sustainable agenda and reach the net zero milestone by 2040 across all of its locations in the UK and Ireland.

By the end of this year, Peel Ports aims to have 50% of its vehicle fleet replaced with electric cars, with the remainder in place by December 2022, and is currently undergoing trials of greener fuels and electric alternatives for the future of its operational machinery and equipment.

The port operator views investment as being the key to resiliency and has been passionate about developing a sustainable future for the supply chain for many years.

Peel Ports has invested over £1.2 billion across the last decade on sustainable infrastructure and technology to future proof its operations including the delivery of energy efficient cranes, LED lighting and choosing sustainable, low emission equipment and suppliers.

Mark Whitworth, CEO of Peel Ports said:

“Our ports provide critical infrastructure as the UK’s gateways for food, medical, energy and fuel supplies. It is therefore important that as a responsible business we incite positive change in the UK’s logistics market to tackle climate change”

“We understand and acknowledge our responsibility to minimising the environmental impact of our operations for the benefit of the planet, while also ensuring the smooth continuation of the supply chain”

“Our vision for the future of our business, our people, our customers and our communities is ambitious. Ultimately, our net zero plans will work towards achieving long-term sustainable growth that has a positive impact on the environment, as well as regional and local economies for generations to come.”

The port operator is also promoting the benefits of ports closer to the end destination, in order to reduce emissions, as well as introducing major new rail services for better connectivity, taking tonnes of freight off the road.

It will also continue to support the changing energy markets with both offshore and onshore wind sites available across its various locations.

Furthermore, in order to future-proof its carbon neutral needs, the group has also created an Innovation Forum which seeks to answer some of the biggest questions around the reduction of emissions. The forum tracks down answers from universities, entrepreneurs and start-ups, which in turn pitch their ideas and solutions. The best of these can be deployed at scale with the necessary investment from the business.

As part of COP26, Peel Ports Group is hosting two workshops at the International Maritime Hub, in collaboration with the British Ports Association, the UK Major Ports Group, Maritime UK and City of Glasgow College.

Ends                                                                       

MEDIA INFORMATION

Contact: 

Ben Archibald 07525 814006 / ben.archibald@peelports.com

About Peel Ports Group

Peel Ports Group is the UK’s second largest port group, owning and operating six of the UK’s most important ports (Liverpool, Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, Medway (Sheerness / Chatham), Clydeport and Great Yarmouth). It also operates a container terminal in Dublin and owns BG Freight Line, which provides short sea container services between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe and feeder services between the UK and Ireland. Peel Ports Group has recently acquired Quality Freight (UK), which provides chartering and port services from a 40 acre multi modal facility at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.

Peel Ports handles 60 million tonnes of cargo every year. 13% of the total UK major ports traffic flows through ports operated by the Group. Headquartered in Liverpool, it employs around 1,600 staff, and had revenue of £760m and EBITDA of £266m for the year ended 31 March 2019.

https://peelports-staging-new.big-digital.co.uk/sustainability/net-zero

Peel Ports Group, the second largest port group in the UK, is the latest company to join the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA).

The group, which operates the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal, has identified a clear role for hydrogen as it looks to minimise its environmental impacts and meet its net zero ambitions. It is looking at the potential for hydrogen to be used as an alternative fuel source for heavy plant equipment and sees the potential for the Port of Liverpool to be used as a strategic location for trials in hydrogen as a fuel for shipping.

Peel Ports’ assets in the North West are strategically positioned to take advantage of leading hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet North West, with the Port of Liverpool potentially becoming a hydrogen distribution hub.

HyNet North West has recently been selected by the Government as one of two ‘Track One’ projects on the UK’s Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) cluster sequencing competition.

Martin Olverson, Mersey Sales Director at Peel Ports Group said:

“As one of the largest port groups in the UK, we understand our responsibility to continuously minimise environmental impacts and see a clear role for hydrogen in the future. We are supportive of the development of strong hydrogen infrastructure, as well as other alternative fuels and associated technology in the North West, and see the Mersey as being a gateway to a low carbon economy. We are pleased to be joining the North West Hydrogen Alliance and making sure the North West has an ambitious programme in this area; opening up opportunities for Peel Ports and our customers to have good access to hydrogen and other low carbon solutions” 

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“There is huge potential for hydrogen to contribute to the decarbonisation of the marine sector. While historically Government has focused on air quality impacts from road vehicles as the main source of pollution, other emitters, including shipping and ports are now being asked to play a larger part in delivering clean air for all. Once again, the North West is leading the way on this agenda and we’re delighted to welcome Peel Ports to the Alliance where working together we can drive decarbonisation across a number of sectors.”

The NWHA represents over 30 of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the development of a hydrogen economy – a key aspect of achieving net zero in the region with climate change talks currently underway at COP26 in Glasgow.

The organisation recently responded to the Government’s consultations on Hydrogen Business Models, the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and a UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard. While broadly supportive of the Government’s proposals as a positive first step, the NWHA has called for more to be done to scale hydrogen over the next decade.

The NWHA is supportive of the approach to business models and considers that it will stimulate hydrogen production, however has called on the Government to give greater consideration to the suitability of business models for different production methods, how small scale hydrogen production is incentivised and demand side policy intervention to stimulate fuel switching.

On the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, the NWHA is supportive of the approach to providing CAPEX support however feels this is insufficient to cover all the necessary elements of the hydrogen value chain. The NWHA supports the view that this funding should be focused on production but should retain the flexibility to include some small scale storage and distribution necessary for production projects and argues that further funding will be required to support the rest of the value chain.

The NWHA is also supportive of the Government’s proposed Hydrogen Standard but considers that the standards should be tightened over time to promote cleaner production methodologies once the market has had time to respond to the Standard.

Professor Joe Howe went on to say:

“We’re supportive of the approach the Government is taking in these policy areas and it’s clear there has been much engagement with industry ahead of these consultations. They mark a welcome first step in creating the necessary environment to support a hydrogen economy and we look forward to continuing to work with Government on the development of these policies further over the coming months.”

For further information:

Rebecca Eatwell: rebecca@fontcomms.com / 07827 353113

The North West Hydrogen Alliance has welcomed news that HyNet North West – a major project in the region to generate, store and distribute hydrogen – has been selected as a lead project for Government investment.

Greg Hands MP, Minister of State for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, today announced to parliament that HyNet North West will be one of two ‘Track One’ projects on the UK’s Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) Cluster Sequencing Process.

It means the infrastructure in the North West will be progressed as one of two industrial clusters by the mid-2020s, and four by 2030 at the latest, and be backed by a share of the £1 billion Infrastructure Fund to support industry deploying CCUS at pace.

The move is a key one that will support the rollout of hydrogen as a clean fuel for transport and for use by businesses across the North West.

 Professor Joe Howe, Chair of North West Hydrogen Alliance, said:

“It’s incredible news that HyNet in the North West of England has been confirmed as a track one carbon capture cluster by the Government. The region not only has one of the lowest cost and deliverable carbon capture solutions, but has made significant progress in developing plans for a full hydrogen system to generate, store and distribute hydrogen to our job-creating companies in our industrial heartland.

“The Government’s decision will drive essential investment to deliver carbon capture facilities in the region – a key component of unleashing the hydrogen economy in the region and the UK.  It is just the moment we have all been waiting for and, crucially, will keep up the pace to bring the first stages of the HyNet project to fruition by the mid-2020s.

“With COP26 on the horizon and the spotlight on practical steps to reach net zero carbon emissions, this is excellent progress. It will provide long-term confidence to big employers in the region and investors that, as well as the North West being a leading force in the Green Industrial Revolution, hydrogen as a clean source of power and fuel can and will be delivered at a mass scale sooner rather than later.”

FOUR new companies have signed up to join the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA). The new members – Fichtner, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Powerhouse Energy and Swagelok – take the membership count to 30, cementing the organisation’s position as the UK’s largest industry-funded regional hydrogen alliance.

It comes as the Alliance throws its weight behind HyNet North West – the UK’s leading hydrogen and carbon capture project – which is seen as critical to delivering the Government’s Hydrogen Strategy and meeting net zero targets.

The new members are:

• Fitchner – an international engineering and technology consultancy group, committed to delivering the Energy Transition with more than three decades’ experience in the hydrogen sector.
• Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) – MTC was established to prove innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions.
• Powerhouse Energy – a sustainable hydrogen company which has developed a pioneering technology to transform plastics and waste into clean energy. The technology will be used at the UK’s first waste plastic to hydrogen facility at Peel NRE’s Protos in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
• Swagelok Manchester – the leading provider of fluid system solutions including application engineering, design support, and unique problem resolution through our fabrication team. Swagelok offers a wide range of fluid system components for use in many types of hydrogen-related applications including the infrastructure that produces, transports, compresses, stores, and fills cylinders with hydrogen for on-vehicle use.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said:

“The growth of the North West Hydrogen Alliance highlights the commitment organisations are making to decarbonisation and their desire to be leading the net zero mission in the North West. As the recent Hydrogen Strategy highlights, hydrogen is a vital part of our low carbon future and has the potential to create new green jobs, safeguard our industries and reduce emissions. With the right support from Government for projects like HyNet North West, we can create a world-leading hydrogen economy which can be replicated globally.”

Paul Noble, Business Development Manager at Fichtner:

“Fichtner is delighted to join the North West Hydrogen Alliance to play our part in the development and, most importantly, construction of the exciting portfolio of hydrogen projects in the North West of England. Our engineers bring technical excellence coupled with practical experience to projects – this will help to manage risks and support investment in hydrogen projects – which are crucial to delivering the net zero energy transition.”

Charlie Whitford, Director of North West and Regions, Strategic Development, MTC, said:

“The Manufacturing Technology Centre is delighted to be joining to support the hydrogen and clean energy transition within both the North West and wider UK. Supporting the delivery of net zero, including hydrogen, is core to our vision for future UK manufacturing. Through our Liverpool, Midlands and South East facilities, we are supporting the next generation of green manufacturing technologies to ensure clean growth, stimulate investment in the UK supply chain and create and safeguard North West and wider UK jobs in hydrogen.” 

James Greenstreet, Non Executive Chairman of Powerhouse Energy, said:

“We’re delighted to have joined the alliance to help champion and bring together technologies that are helping the region to become a leader in the UK’s hydrogen economy, whilst helping improve air quality for communities across the North West as hydrogen replaces diesel as a transport fuel.  As the UK strives to reach its net zero targets it is clear the Alliance will play a key role in helping ramp up hydrogen production for the country’s clean energy transition.”

Mitch Brunt, Projects Sales Manager – Gas Networks and Hydrogen at Swagelok Manchester said:

“We are very pleased to have joined the North West Hydrogen Alliance and recognise the North West has a key role to play in developing and implementing the UK’s hydrogen strategy and journey towards net zero.

“We are looking forward to sharing our experience and expertise in hydrogen fluid system technologies and working with the team and other members to deliver safe and reliable solutions on projects and opportunities.”

The long awaited Hydrogen Strategy has been published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance and Executive Director, Thornton Research Institute at the University of Chester, said: “This is a critical step forward for the development of a world leading hydrogen economy in the UK. While this sends a strong message to industry and investors that hydrogen is an integral part of our low carbon future, what’s important now is that Government delivers on the strategy by supporting projects like HyNet North West. We particularly welcome the commitment to developing a Hydrogen Sector Development Action Plan to ensure that the huge economic benefits from hydrogen are kept in the UK, supporting our businesses and creating new jobs. If we’re to bring people along with us on this hydrogen revolution then now’s the time to start raising public awareness of hydrogen and how it can help us reduce our carbon emissions and protect our planet.”

You can read the strategy here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-hydrogen-strategy

The membership of the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has thrown its weight behind the North West’s bid to become one of the UK’s first carbon capture clusters.

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the NWHA has called for Government to support HyNet North West in the upcoming carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) sequencing competition, arguing that is a vital project for levelling up the UK and essential to the delivery of the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.

The NWHA represents 30 of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the development of a hydrogen economy. Members include leading UK and global companies such as INOVYN (part of the INEOS Group), Peel NRE (part of Peel L&P), ABB, Atkins, Costain, Mott MacDonald, Uniper and Cadent (the UK’s largest gas distribution network).

CCUS is recognised as an essential technology to help the UK in its fight against climate change with the Committee on Climate Change calling it “a necessity not an option” if we are to meet net zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is also considered vital to the development of a hydrogen economy in the UK.

Following the Prime Minister’s pledge in the Ten Point Plan to invest up to £1 billion to support CCUS in four industrial clusters, or ‘SuperPlaces’, the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a competition for Phase 1 of the CCUS cluster sequencing process. This will seek to identify at least two CCUS clusters whose readiness suggests they are most suited to deployment in the mid-2020s to sequence on to ‘Track 1’ of the process.

The North West is home to leading hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet North West, which can deliver amongst the lowest cost CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure in the UK by extensively repurposing existing onshore and offshore assets. The project can deliver over three-quarters of the Government’s 2030 target for hydrogen production and 100% of the target for CO₂. Able to benefit from the existing regional technical skill base in engineering, chemicals production, refining and offshore oil and gas, HyNet North West could be operational as early as 2025.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Thornton Research Institute at the University of Chester, said: “CCUS is essential to the development of a hydrogen economy in the UK. It will enable blue hydrogen to be developed quickly and at scale, unlocking the hydrogen transportation and storage infrastructure which green hydrogen can then readily connect into.

“Organisations across the North West want to operate more sustainably, and HyNet brings a route by which this can happen, and quickly.  In the North West, we are committed to becoming one of the first two carbon capture clusters. We have a unique opportunity to repurpose existing onshore and offshore assets before they need to be decommissioned and deliver one of the lowest cost carbon capture clusters in the UK.  The opportunity to create a world leading low carbon industrial cluster, which is vital for the journey to net zero, must be grasped without delay.”

HyNet North West will decarbonise 30 major manufacturing sites across multiple sectors including chemicals, glass, cement, oil refining, FMCG’s, food and drink. It was recently announced that Viridor, one of the UK’s leading recycling, resource and waste management companies, is to join the HyNet consortium with plans to install carbon capture technology at its largest energy from waste site, at Runcorn in the North West. This will support the company’s aim to be the UK’s first net negative emissions waste company.

Myles Kitcher, Executive Director, Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P said: “HyNet North West is a genuine regional decarbonisation solution. Not focused on one key anchor energy project it has the potential to link together the multitude of low carbon projects across the region and beyond, from hydrogen to energy from waste to industrial processes. Doing this will not only futureproof existing industry, it will safeguard and create thousands of jobs.”

In addition to HyNet North West, the region is also set to be the home of a new bioenergy with carbon capture and storage project, InBECCS. The project will see a carbon capture demonstration facility developed at Ince BioPower at Peel NRE’s Protos in Cheshire, which will pioneer the first negative emissions project in the North West and could be ready as early as 2025. The North West also has a UK first carbon capture and utilisation project under construction at Tata Chemicals in Cheshire where food grade CO₂ will be used in sodium bicarbonate manufacture.

Further information on CCUS in the North West can be found in this report also published today.

The UK’s anticipated hydrogen strategy is expected to be published in mid-July.

Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said the first ever strategy is “set to be published before summer recess” and will “lay out what is required to build a hydrogen economy fit for 2030”.

H2 View understands Westminster is due to break for summer recess on July 22.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson firmly backed hydrogen in his 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution unveiled in November 2020, which includes moves to boost hydrogen production, with a promise of a town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade.

The PM’s plan proposes to generate 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 – enough to power about 1.5 million homes – for industry, transport, power and homes, and aims to develop the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade.

“The UK currently produces only a minimal amount of low carbon hydrogen, for localised transport projects or trials and testing in other end uses, and a significant increase in production levels will be required to meet our future energy needs,” Trevelyan said.

“The Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan was clear on our aim for 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 for use across the economy.

“We have already published an expression of interest for our Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 Competition to support further innovation in this area.”

Alongside the strategy, Trevelyan said the government will consult on policy instruments to further support an increase in low carbon hydrogen production, including the £240m ($332m) Net-Zero Hydrogen Fund and its preferred long term, sustainable business model, which it will finalise in 2022.

This article originally appeared in H2 View.

The North West and North Wales have ambitions to become cleaner, and greener. To achieve the
aim of becoming net zero emitters of carbon dioxide before 2050, big steps need to be taken, and
they need to happen quickly.

HyNet North West is the UK’s first hydrogen and carbon capture cluster, which will support a
reduction of emissions in the region whilst unlocking a clean energy economy.

From Wednesday the 9 June 2021, local communities have the opportunity to learn more about the
project and to have their say on a proposed carbon capture pipeline which will remove carbon
dioxide from regional industry. Information on the project and the consultation process can be found
at www.hynethub.co.uk

The project is set to revolutionise the North West of England and North Wales’ journey to hitting
regional emissions targets, establishing the area as a world-leader in clean energy technology, and
strongly contributing to the UK’s national climate objectives.

David Parkin, Director of HyNet North West said: “This is the first step in our exciting
plans to develop a pipeline to safely transport carbon dioxide (CO2) away from industrial areas to be
permanently stored under the seabed. The project has the potential to help to decarbonise one of
the UK’s largest industrial clusters and, by helping local industry to reduce their carbon
emissions, will play its part in ensuring organisations remain viable as the UK moves to net zero
emissions.

“This is the chance for those living and working within the North West and North Wales to support
the decarbonisation of their region. The first part of the infrastructure we will need is a pipeline
which will remove CO2 from regional industry. We are inviting local communities to give
their initial feedback at this early planning stage for the pipeline, and the overall project, from 9
June.”

From 2025, HyNet North West will decarbonise the North West of England and North Wales through
the creation of state of-the-art infrastructure. In addition to capturing the carbon from industry,
HyNet will produce, store and distribute low carbon hydrogen to power the regions’ industry,
electricity generation, transport and homes.

The mix of hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage (CCS) has the potential to cut the
region’s carbon emissions by 25% in just five years – the same as taking over four million cars off the
road. In the longer term, HyNet North West will provide a genuine solution to the national climate
emergency: by 2030, it could already be delivering 80% of the government’s national target for low
carbon hydrogen for power, transport, industry, and homes by itself.

David Parkin continues: “The mix of local industrial experience, and cutting-edge science, provides
the perfect base from which to create a hotspot for clean growth and innovation, providing a wide
range of training and skills opportunities for local people, and creating over 6,000 local jobs. All this
while making the region – and eventually the entire country – cleaner, greener and safer for future
generations.

“We’re delighted to be taking this first public step in our plans to bring the region to the forefront of
clean energy innovation. By reaching out to and hearing what local people, business and industry
have to say about the project, and bringing them along for the journey, we can deliver something
that is not only truly innovative but a testament to the communities who will benefit from it for
years to come.”

Visit the HyNet Consultation Hub.

At United Living Group, we strive to be a sector leader as the UK works towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Fastflow Group, a subsidiary of United Living Infrastructure Services, has set an ambitious target to become carbon net-zero by 2030, a full twenty years ahead of Government targets.

To help cut carbon (CO2e) and harmful air emissions, low emission, high-performance Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) will be used to power all site plant and equipment on all new Fastflow sites, which represents a 90% carbon reduction compared to traditional diesel.

Collectively, diesel is a non-renewable resource that has negative environmental impacts and contributes significantly to our carbon footprint.

James O’Donnell, Operations Director at United Living Infrastructure Services, said: “As part of our journey to carbon net-zero by 2030, we have collaborated with our fuel supply chain partners and trialled an alternative fuel source known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) on the Aylesbury gas pipeline diversion project.

“Results are very positive, and we are proud to announce as part of our net-zero commitment that HVO will be purchased as standard across all new Fastflow sites. Resulting in a net 90% carbon reduction compared to traditional diesel, which is fantastic news.”

The use of HVO will significantly improve the environmental impact of FES activities. It is a direct replacement fuel and can be manufactured from sustainable and renewable resources such as waste fats from animals and cooking.

• HVO is a fossil free, bio-diesel (FAME) free, paraffinic alternative to diesel;
• Its use represents a net 90% carbon reduction compared to using traditional mineral diesel;
• HVO can be manufactured from sustainable and renewable resources;
• Typically, it’s manufactured from vegetable oils but it can also be manufactured from other feedstocks such as waste fats from animals and cooking, which would otherwise need to be disposed of.

The North West Hydrogen Alliance continues to go from strength to strength with the addition of five new members this month. The new members – AMCS, BakerRisk, Northern Valve Fitting Co Ltd (NVFCL), Rinnai UK and United Living Infrastructure Services – add their weight to the North West’s call to be named a ‘SuperPlace’, a component of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan. These will be locations where hydrogen production will be combined with Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) in the next few years.

The five new members of the NWHA are:

• AMCS – an independent online process analyser specialist that offers a comprehensive range of exclusive state-of-the-art analyser systems, including the world’s only laser based online Hydrogen Analyser which is already being used for carbon capture.
• BakerRisk – a leader in process safety, defining the engineering systems required for safe production, transport and delivery of hydrogen fuel.
• NVFCL – the sole UK distributors for the full range of FITOK products. FITOK design and manufacture a full range of products with instrumentation and gas control systems for hydrogen, and other industries.
• Rinnai UK – the world’s leading manufacturer of continuous flow hot water systems which is currently working on hydrogen-related standards for appliances.
• United Living Infrastructure Services – an engineering and services partner helping to develop a hydrogen-based economy in the North West.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA said:

I’m very pleased to welcome five new members to the Alliance. Their specialist contributions make the Alliance an even stronger voice in calling for the region to be named a SuperPlace, and demonstrates the wide range of expertise we have here in the North West.

The importance of hydrogen was recognised in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and the recent Energy White Paper and as the eyes of the world are upon us in the run up to hosting COP26, it’s even more vital that we develop hydrogen technology. In the North West we’re primed and ready to deliver the UK’s first hydrogen economy and make a real contribution to the nation’s Net Zero targets.”

Cameron Stathers, Area Sales Manager at AMCS, said:

AMCS works closely with many companies in the hydrogen space in the North West, and being a member of the NWHA cements these working relationships. We are proud to be part of the energy transition, moving from the traditional energy supply chain to this new generation of energy production.”

Roger Stokes, Principal Engineer at BakerRisk, said:

BakerRisk is committed to supporting the safe transition from sole reliance on fossil fuels to a mix of energy that will enable the UK, and the world, to reach Net Zero carbon goals.  Like the NWHA, we believe that hydrogen is going to be an essential part of this energy mix.

The NWHA is committed to bringing together stakeholders to increase public awareness of hydrogen and promote the North West to support the build out of hydrogen infrastructure. We believe that the addition of our decades of R&D and testing on flammable and explosion characteristics of hydrogen will strengthen the NWHA’s ability to educate people on hydrogen safety, with the ultimate goal of easing adoption of the technology.”

Patrick Drury, Director at NVFCL, said:

With industry having to work in a more demanding environment, everyone has to be more cost-conscious while taking advantage of the latest technological advancements. The NWHA is a strong voice in hydrogen within the North West and is supporting companies that want to be part of this new economy. We are looking forward to being active members of the Alliance.”

Chris Gogan, Associate Director of Rinnai, said:

The Rinnai corporation is at the forefront of combustion technologies that utilise gaseous fuels for the conversion to heat. The North West of England is extremely well placed to produce, store and distribute hydrogen and we are, therefore, pleased to support the North West Hydrogen Alliance and access the incredible level of knowledge and skill that exists within it. We look forward to working with the team and networking with other members.”

Benn Cottrell, Managing Director, United Living Infrastructure Services, said:

We are very pleased to have joined the North West Hydrogen Alliance.

With its long industrial heritage, the North West is well positioned to play an important role in the development and implementation of the UK’s hydrogen strategy. We are looking forward to using our expertise to support the development of hydrogen, to drive a low carbon economy and support a green recovery. This will help to facilitate the shift to Net Zero construction and help deliver the UK’s clean growth strategy as the blueprint for our low carbon future.”

HyNet North West has received £72m in funding to help the North West become the UK’s first low carbon industrial cluster. Hydrogen is an essential component of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.

From 2025, HyNet North West will begin to convert natural gas into low carbon hydrogen at Stanlow Refinery, with carbon dioxide safely captured and stored offshore in the Liverpool Bay gas fields.  A new pipeline network will transport the clean hydrogen to power industry, fuel buses, trains and heavy goods vehicles, to generate electricity, and to heat homes across North West England and North Wales.

HyNet North West will reduce regional carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10 million tonnes every year by 2030 – the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road.  By then, HyNet North West alone will already be delivering 80% of the Government’s new UK-wide target of 5GW of low carbon hydrogen for power, transport, industry and homes.

The project will kick start a low carbon hydrogen economy, protecting and creating jobs, setting the region on course to be the world leader in clean energy innovation.

Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director of the Thornton Energy Research Institute, University of Chester, said:

“I am delighted with today’s announcement which confirms UK support for HyNet North West. We have supported the HyNet proposition since its inception in 2016 and I proud of the work that we have done in demonstrating how the North West  can take advantage of the opportunities afforded by hydrogen energy and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. We have a ready-made supply chain to build the infrastructure required and I am excited for our members who are committed to the opportunities afforded by flagship exemplar of building back better and greener.”

The Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy was also announced today. A £1bn fund will be used to cut industrial emissions by two thirds and generate 80,000 jobs.

Following a commitment of £72 million of funding, HyNet North West will transform the North West into the world’s first low carbon industrial cluster, playing a critical role in the UK’s transition to ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the global fight against climate change.

HyNet North West is essential for UK Government to deliver several objectives within its 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, as well as the local net zero targets of Cheshire West & Chester in 2045, Liverpool City Region in 2040 and Greater Manchester in 2038.

The North West industrial cluster region stretches from Flintshire and Wrexham, through Cheshire, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester into Lancashire.  It boasts the largest concentration of advanced manufacturing and chemical production in the UK and is home to a concentration of energy intensive users.  The HyNet North West hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) project is being developed by a world-class consortium of regionally located partners, Progressive Energy, Cadent, CF Fertilisers, Eni UK, Essar, Hanson, INOVYN (part of the INEOS Group) and the University of Chester.

From 2025, HyNet North West will begin to convert natural gas into low carbon hydrogen at Stanlow Refinery, with carbon dioxide safely captured and stored offshore in the Liverpool Bay gas fields.  A new pipeline network will transport the clean hydrogen to power industry, fuel buses, trains and heavy goods vehicles, to generate electricity, and to heat homes across North West England and North Wales.

HyNet North West will reduce regional carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10 million tonnes every year by 2030 – the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road.  By then, HyNet North West alone will already be delivering 80% of the Government’s new UK-wide target of 5GW of low carbon hydrogen for power, transport, industry and homes.

The project will kick start a low carbon hydrogen economy, protecting and creating jobs, setting the region on course to be the world leader in clean energy innovation.  In addition to creating over 6,000 new, permanent jobs, HyNet North West will protect and retain jobs in existing high value manufacturing industries.  Workers will develop fresh skill sets and train in exciting new sectors, fostering regional growth and inward investment.  By kick-starting the UK’s hydrogen economy, HyNet North West will help support up to 75,000 jobs across the country by 2035.

The £72m funding announced today comprises £33m from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge (IDC) fund, and £39m of consortium partner contribution. The funding will allow HyNet North West to accelerate to a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2023 for the initial phase, and become operational in 2025. Further elements of the HyNet North West project will follow, resulting in the distribution of up to 30TWh / year of low carbon hydrogen being distributed by 2030 – enough to displace 45% of natural gas used across the region.

HyNet North West has been under development for four years with work so far including extensive engineering studies and demonstration projects. Environmental survey work, supported by funding from the Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Fund, has recently begun and consultation with stakeholders, including the general public, will begin later this year as the planning process to gain consent for development.

HyNet North West underpins a regional commitment to carbon neutrality with additional exciting opportunities being explored and advanced by Net Zero North West.

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

“We were the first major economy to put into law our target to end our contribution to climate change, and today we’re taking steps to be the first major economy to have its own low-carbon industrial sector.

“While reaching our climate targets will require extensive change across our economy, we must do so in a way that protects jobs, creates new industries and attracts inward investment – without pushing emissions and business abroad.

“Ahead of COP26, the UK is showing the world how we can cut emissions, create jobs and unleash private investment and economic growth. Today’s strategy builds on this winning formula as we transition low carbon and renewable energy sources, while supporting the competitiveness of Britain’s industrial base.”

David Parkin, Director of Progressive Energy and HyNetNW Project Director said:

“We know we cannot reach net zero without decarbonising industry.  HyNet North West is a game-changing project of strategic importance.  It is uniquely developed to be low-cost and deliverable and will begin decarbonising the north west by 2025.

“Through the production of low carbon hydrogen and the capturing, and storing, of carbon dioxide, it offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create real change in how we produce and use our energy, establishing a cleaner world for future generations.  It will unlock a low carbon future economy in North West England and North Wales, not only reducing emissions but also creating and safeguarding jobs.  We are pleased to be working with Government on making the Green Industrial Revolution a reality.”

Steve Fraser, CEO Cadent, said:

“When we first unveiled the plan for HyNet North West just three-and-a-half years ago, we knew quickly we were onto something big. This is a once-in-a-generation moment to effect real change.  Replacing fossil gas with hydrogen will achieve incredible carbon savings, create thousands of jobs and position the North West as a world-leader in this technology. Cadent and the whole HyNet consortium is determined to make that happen.”

David Hopkins, Managing Director, CF Fertilisers, said:

“CF applauds the government for their support of HyNet North West and the approval of this funding to advance this critical project.  HyNet North West will ensure we take the first steps to a decarbonised future while creating excellent economic development opportunities for the local area.  We look forward to continuing CF’s own journey to net zero carbon emissions in partnership with the HyNet North West consortium, the North West and the country.”

Phil Hemmens, Senior Vice President, Eni SpA said:

“We are delighted with today’s announcement which confirms UK support for HyNet North West. This is a great stimulus to ensure that we can play our part in the UK Net Zero targets and deliver value through the re-use of our Liverpool Bay infrastructure for CO2 storage. The project is fully consistent with Eni’s commitment to energy transition, decarbonisation and the circular economy.”

Prashant Ruia, Chairman, Essar Oil UK said:

“This is excellent news and another important milestone in the development of a transformational North West hydrogen economy.  Essar is committed to playing its part in the decarbonisation of the region and the two hydrogen production plants to be built at Stanlow are absolutely fundamental to the Hynet project. Together with our plans for the manufacture of  biofuels from waste, HyNet North West will be key to our ambition of being a long term provider of sustainable energy solutions for the UK.”

Simon Willis, CEO Hanson UK, said:

“Cutting CO2 emissions is a key priority for us, and we are excited to be one of the first UK cement producers working on carbon capture and storage (CCS) as part of this collaborative feasibility study.

“We’ve taken big steps towards reducing carbon emissions through the use of alternative fuels and have set ourselves an ambitious target of achieving a 50 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, based on 1990 levels, and net zero carbon by 2050.

“CCS at cement plants is a key part of this roadmap and the announced funding will allow work to start earlier. The project will be carried out at our Padeswood cement works in Mold, Flintshire, and we are looking forward to getting started as soon as possible.”

Geir Tuft, CEO INOVYN, said:

“HyNet North West is a great opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s most significant hydrogen and decarbonisation projects and INOVYN is delighted to play its role to deliver national scale hydrogen storage.”

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor, University of Chester, said:

“Climate change has never been higher up the agenda with our students, staff and local communities. Net zero will require the provision of new skills, innovation and collaboration if we are to deliver and I am delighted to see the University of Chester being the academic partner of choice in the HyNet North West Consortium, having supported the HyNet North West proposition since its inception in 2016.”

Project information

Further HyNet North West information can be found on the website and within HyNet North West’s vision document.