As we stand on the brink of 2025, the urgency to transition to clean power is palpable, and hydrogen is emerging as a cornerstone of this transformation. Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, emphasizes the strides made by the organization and the broader hydrogen industry in anticipation of the UK government’s ambitious 2030 clean power targets. The Hydrogen UK Manifesto, launched in 2024, serves as a strategic roadmap, outlining key initiatives to propel hydrogen technology and infrastructure forward.
The manifesto is not just a document; it’s a clarion call for immediate action. It urges the government to kickstart first-of-a-kind hydrogen projects and to expedite funding through the Cluster Sequencing Process. The focus is clear: accelerate the allocation rounds for hydrogen storage and transport business models. The industry recognizes that to meet the UK’s target of producing 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030, a technology-agnostic approach is essential. This means reviewing policies to drive down production costs and committing to annual hydrogen allocation rounds.
Infrastructure development is another critical pillar of the manifesto. The call for clear targets and timelines for hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure is crucial. A robust network of hydrogen pipelines and comprehensive regulatory reforms are necessary to integrate hydrogen into existing systems. The establishment of a Low Carbon Fuels Strategy, which gives equal weight to hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and outlines a plan for hydrogen refuelling stations, is also a top priority.
Despite the ambitious roadmap, the industry finds itself in a waiting game. Many of the manifesto’s proposals are yet to be fully realized by the new government. The urgency to bridge the gap is undeniable. The first-of-a-kind hydrogen projects need to move past the hurdles posed by the Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement. Recent announcements regarding funding for Track-1 projects within the Cluster Sequencing Process are promising, but the industry is eager for clarity on Track-1x and Track-2 projects.
Moreover, the momentum must be maintained by expediting the first allocation rounds for hydrogen storage and transport. A unified standard for low-carbon hydrogen across all government support mechanisms is essential to avoid fragmentation. The industry is also looking for progress on hydrogen blending in gas distribution networks to mitigate risks for early hydrogen production projects.
Despite these challenges, the hydrogen sector has made notable progress. Organizations like HVS have operationalized hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles, showcasing hydrogen’s viability in transportation. Fuel Cell Systems Ltd has been recognized for its mobile refuelling solutions, and Exolum has excelled in hydrogen transport and storage using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers.
The Hydrogen UK Awards highlighted these achievements, but they also underscore the potential that lies ahead. The Hydrogen Investment Forum, which brought together over 300 industry leaders and government officials, demonstrated a collective commitment to advancing the hydrogen agenda. Minister for Industry Sarah Jones reaffirmed the government’s dedication to hydrogen, emphasizing its role in job transition and economic growth.
Looking toward 2025, the ambitions are high. The focus will be on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and leveraging hydrogen technology to stimulate economic growth and job creation. Jackson expresses a deep commitment to driving this transformation, underscoring that the countdown to clean power by 2030 has begun. The journey ahead is one of optimism, resilience, and a shared commitment to establishing a scalable hydrogen economy. The path is clear, and with each step, the industry moves closer to a future powered by clean energy.
