The UK government is set to invest £2 billion over the next 15 years in supporting 11 major green hydrogen projects across the country. This move is expected to create over 700 jobs and usher in a new era of clean energy production. Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho announced the significant funding commitment, marking the largest number of commercial-scale green hydrogen production projects announced simultaneously in Europe. The projects will employ electrolysis, a process that uses renewable energy to split water and produce hydrogen, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-derived blue hydrogen.
Job Creation and Investment Impact
The 11 green hydrogen projects are set to receive government support, providing suppliers with a guaranteed price for the clean energy they generate. This backing aims to secure over £400 million in upfront investments over the next three years. More than 700 jobs will be created across the UK, spanning regions from South Wales to Scotland. The projects will collectively deliver 125MW of new hydrogen, catering to various industries such as manufacturing, distilling, and port operations.
Strategic Projects and Applications
Some notable projects include Sofidel in South Wales, planning to replace 50% of their gas boiler consumption with hydrogen, and InchDairnie Distillery in Scotland aiming to use 100% hydrogen for their distilling process. PD Ports in Teesside is set to decarbonize port operations by replacing diesel in their vehicle fleet with hydrogen. These initiatives align with the UK’s commitment to scaling up its hydrogen economy, contributing significantly to its net-zero targets.
Hydrogen Production Roadmap and Future Rounds
The government also released a production roadmap outlining plans for future funding rounds in 2025 and 2026. The roadmap includes ambitious targets to boost hydrogen capacity up to 1.5GW, with funding allocated for up to 4GW of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)-enabled blue hydrogen and 6GW of green hydrogen by 2030. The roadmap provides clarity for businesses to invest in the UK’s growing hydrogen sector.
Hydrogen Blending and Safety Assessment
In addition to the funding announcement, ministers disclosed plans to support hydrogen blending in certain scenarios, contingent on safety assessments and final agreement. Hydrogen blending may play a role in the UK’s transition to net zero, although it is seen as a temporary measure as the country moves away from natural gas usage. The government decided not to proceed with a hydrogen trial in Redcar due to a lack of the main hydrogen source. A decision on the potential use of hydrogen in home heating will be assessed in 2026 based on evidence from trials and schemes
Source: miragenews.com
