Government Strategy Commits to Double Hydrogen Production to Secure Energy Future: Reaction from North West Hydrogen Alliance

The Government’s Energy Security Strategy published today [7 April] commits to significant acceleration of hydrogen, with a doubling of the target from 5GW to 10GW by 2030.

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

 “The decision to rapidly ramp up hydrogen production, which will simultaneously cut carbon emissions and boost energy security, is one we strongly welcome. Accelerating delivery and use of low carbon hydrogen is essential, alongside electrification, to reach net zero. We would argue that the target could go a step further with 15GW possible by 2030.

“With HyNet, the North West of England is perfectly placed to make a significant contribution to this new national energy system. Set to be operational by 2025, it’ll produce around 4GW of continuous peak output of hydrogen – 40% of the Government’s new national target by 2030. Coupled with carbon capture and storage, it’ll provide a low carbon, sustainable future use for natural gas in the coming decades.

“Something that people often cite with renewables is their intermittent nature. When it comes to hydrogen in the North West, we’ve the ability to deliver affordable storage at a large scale. It means we can reduce the risk of energy supply shortages, reliance on overseas supplies and volatility of energy prices.

“HyNet and other regional hydrogen projects are happening now on the ground. Government policy, regulation and funding most go hand-in-hand with the new target.”