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.