New hydrogen power projects to boost growth

Photo by Rafael Classen rcphotostock.com: www.pexels.com

Earlier this month, and as part of the Government’s ‘Plan for Change’, 27 hydrogen projects were selected for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), to support low-carbon hydrogen production in the UK. The Government says the industry has the potential to attract over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK by 2029, supporting its mission to become a ‘clean-energy superpower’.

“Hydrogen will help deliver a new era of clean energy across the UK and decarbonise emission-intensive industries. It has already attracted £400 million of private sector investment in towns and cities such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire and is creating over 700 direct jobs in construction and operations.

“Government support for hydrogen will help create thousands more jobs in the sector and reindustrialising the UK’s manufacturing regions. This includes roles for apprentices, graduates and technically trained professionals, such as engineers, welders, skilled construction workers, pipefitters and operations specialists.

Ammonia production
The latest shortlist includes projects that could use hydrogen to help tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising their manufacturing and industrial practices, including ammonia production, new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production.”

Industry Minister Sarah Jones added: “This latest initiative builds on the success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round, which saw 11 projects being allocated over £2 billion in Government funding. One recipient, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, will produce hydrogen for the InchDairnie Distillery, which intends to sustainably distil whisky by 2027.

“Stretching across England, Scotland, and Wales, this latest wave of shortlisted HAR2 projects highlights the Government’s commitment to create skilled jobs and establish clean energy hubs across Great Britain. The HAR2 shortlist could lead to projects that help support strong supply chains and the delivery of the clean-energy superpower mission.”

Dr Emma Guthrie, the Hydrogen Energy Association’s CEO, said: “This much-anticipated announcement brings vital clarity to the UK’s hydrogen sector, providing a crucial boost for projects that will drive forward the country’s low-carbon transition. The funding support offered through HAR2 gives our members and the wider industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. This is great news, not only for the hydrogen sector but also the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.”