
North West Hydrogen Alliance announces new members as hydrogen momentum gathers pace
The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has welcomed three new members, further strengthening the region’s position as a leader in the UK’s hydrogen transition.
Construction consultancy Walker Sime, civil engineering specialist A E Yates Group, and global technology leader Yokogawa UK Ltd are the latest organisations to join the NWHA’s growing membership working together to drive forward the hydrogen economy in the North West.
The news comes as momentum continues to build for hydrogen deployment across the UK, with the recent announcement that 27 projects have been shortlisted for the second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) and plans from Government for a new Hydrogen Strategy.
The North West is at the forefront of this transition, with major projects spanning hydrogen production, industrial decarbonisation, transport refuelling, and energy storage. The new members come on the back of the UK’s third Hydrogen Week, a national awareness-raising campaign spearheaded by the NWHA.
Dave Richardson, Interim Chair of the NWHA and Decarbonisation Solutions Director at Costain, said: “Momentum is continuing to grow in the hydrogen space, and nowhere is this more true than in the North West. Our ambition is for the North West to be a global leader in hydrogen, delivering transformative economic growth and significant opportunity for supply chain companies across the region and beyind. We’re thrilled to welcome aboard three new members in Walker Sime, A E Yates Group, and Yokogawa UK Ltd whose collective wealth of experience and knowledge will further bolster our already strong membership.”
Walker Sime joins the NWHA to drive the decarbonisation agenda in construction and infrastructure. The consultancy is actively supporting the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the North West, providing cost consultancy, project management, and quantity surveying expertise on key hydrogen projects. By working alongside major stakeholders in the hydrogen economy, Walker Sime is ensuring that the transition to low-carbon energy is underpinned by practical, deliverable solutions.
Sheryl Durham, Director of Project Controls and Decarbonisation Lead, at Walker Sime, said: “Hydrogen has a pivotal role to play in delivering a net zero future, and we’re proud to be working with clients and partners across the North West to help realise that vision. Joining the NWHA is an important step for us as we continue to support the delivery of infrastructure that enables meaningful and measurable progress in decarbonisation.”
A E Yates Group, a civil engineering and construction specialist, brings decades of experience delivering major infrastructure projects. The company is committed to supporting the hydrogen supply chain by leveraging its expertise in sustainable and innovative construction practices.
Sven Till, Chief Executive Officer at the A E Yates Group, commented: “We’re excited to become part of the NWHA and support the North West’s position at the forefront of hydrogen development. Our experience delivering complex infrastructure projects puts us in a strong position to help make hydrogen deployment a reality, contributing to a greener, more resilient energy system.”
Yokogawa UK Ltd, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, is at the cutting edge of technology solutions for the hydrogen economy. With expertise in process control, data-driven optimisation, and energy system integration, Yokogawa is already helping drive forward projects such as HyNet North West and will play a key role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient deployment of hydrogen infrastructure.
Tony Williams, Senior Business Development Manager for Energy Transition at Yokogawa UK Ltd, added: “Yokogawa UK Ltd has joined the NWHA to support the development of the hydrogen economy as a partner in the region and contribute its expertise in industrial automation, process control, and safety systems. As a key player in the energy transition, Yokogawa aims to collaborate with industry leaders, share knowledge, and help drive the successful deployment of hydrogen projects. By joining the NWHA, Yokogawa strengthens its commitment to decarbonization, aligning with initiatives like HyNet and other hydrogen-focused developments in the North West of England.”
With Walker Sime, A E Yates Group, and Yokogawa UK Ltd now part of the NWHA, the alliance continues to bring together leading organisations across the hydrogen value chain, reinforcing the North West’s status as a hub for hydrogen innovation and deployment.
The North West Hydrogen Alliance is the largest industry-funded regional hydrogen alliance, representing some of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the development of a hydrogen economy in the North West of England.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information:
Rebecca Eatwell: rebecca@fontcomms.com / 07827 353113
Emma Dickson: emma@fontcomms.com / 07547 214582
About the North West Hydrogen Alliance
The North West Hydrogen Alliance brings together some of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the work to develop the region as the UK’s primary hydrogen economy. The region’s reputation as the industrial North – including the necessary industries, academia, innovation, skills and natural assets – means it is in pole position to grasp the opportunity of hydrogen use.
For further information visit www.nwhydrogenalliance.co.uk/ or follow @HydrogenNw