Today marks a significant step forward in the UK’s journey towards a clean energy future, as 27 hydrogen power projects have been shortlisted for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2). This initiative is not just about cutting emissions; it’s about igniting an industrial revolution in the UK’s heartlands, creating thousands of jobs, and attracting over £1bn of private sector investment by 2029.
The selected projects span a wide range of industries, from ammonia production to sustainable aviation fuel, all aiming to decarbonise their operations using hydrogen power. This is not a distant dream but a tangible reality, as evidenced by the £400m already invested in projects like those in Milford Haven and High Marnham, which have created over 700 jobs. The government’s support for hydrogen is not just about investing in technology; it’s about investing in people and communities.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones put it bluntly: “We are deploying hydrogen power at a commercial scale for the first time… investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.” This is about more than just powering distilleries and public transport; it’s about powering our everyday lives and unlocking clean energy growth across the country.
The potential of these projects is immense. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, can revolutionise power generation, transport, and industrial processes. It’s a zero-carbon fuel that can help us tackle the climate crisis head-on. The success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round, which saw £2bn in government funding allocated to 11 projects, is a testament to this potential. One such project, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, aims to produce hydrogen for sustainable whisky distilling by 2027.
Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, hailed the HAR2 shortlist as a “vital clarity” for the UK’s hydrogen power sector. She emphasised that the funding support offered through HAR2 gives the industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. This is not just great news for the hydrogen sector; it’s great news for the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.
The shortlisted projects stretch across England, Scotland, and Wales, showcasing the government’s commitment to creating skilled jobs and establishing clean energy hubs. This is about more than just decarbonising; it’s about reindustrialising the UK’s proud manufacturing regions. It’s about creating roles for apprentices, graduates, and technically trained professionals. It’s about building strong supply chains and delivering the clean energy superpower mission.
The UK’s hydrogen power sector is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough. The HAR2 shortlist is a clear signal that the government is serious about its commitment to clean energy. It’s a call to action for the industry to gear up, innovate, and deliver. The potential is there; the support is there. Now, it’s time to turn that potential into reality. The future of clean energy in the UK is hydrogen-powered, and today’s shortlist is a significant step towards that future. The question now is, how will the sector rise to the challenge? How will these shortlisted projects shape the future of clean energy in the UK? The answers to these questions will determine the trajectory of the UK’s hydrogen power sector and its role in the global clean energy transition.
