A new study supported by big companies like Tata Steel, Air Products, and Airbus says that the UK could make nearly £11 billion by focusing on green hydrogen. The study suggests building three large plants to make hydrogen. Doing this could cut carbon dioxide by 1.7 million tonnes every year. That’s like getting rid of 60,000 diesel trucks.
The Green Hydrogen Alliance (GHA), which is just three months old, is guiding this effort. It’s getting advice from experts at UCL’s Energy Institute, Cranfield University, Future Humber, and the Thames Estuary Growth Board. Their goal is to make the UK a world leader in hydrogen as a fuel.
The UK government is also updating its plans for hydrogen. The GHA report offers ideas for how the UK can move towards a green hydrogen future. The report says three ports in the UK—Humber, Thames Estuary, and South Wales—would be great places for making hydrogen quickly. The benefits would be huge:
- Carbon dioxide would go down by 1.7 million tonnes each year.
- Local governments could make £480 million by hosting these plants.
- The plants would meet 18% of the government’s hydrogen goals for 2030.
- Over 8,000 jobs would be created.
Related: UK Passes New Laws to Bolster Energy Security, Hydrogen & Deliver Net Zero
Alex Stafford MP, who leads a group in Parliament focused on hydrogen, said the study shows lots of opportunities. He said, “The UK has a real chance to lead in green hydrogen. We have to act fast to make this a reality.”
To make this happen, the report says the UK needs to make it easier to get permits and bring in supplies. This would help create jobs in areas that really need them.
But it’s worth noting, not everyone agrees with the government’s plans. A guy named Chris Jackson quit his role advising the government on hydrogen last year. He said the government’s focus on hydrogen made by fossil fuel companies was a waste of time and money. Reports also say the Conservative Party got millions from companies linked to fossil fuels and climate change denial.
A GHA spokesperson said, “Green hydrogen will be important for the UK’s future. This report shows the big benefits we could get if we invest in a green hydrogen market.”
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