Marvin OnumonuThe Government has confirmed over £500m will be spent on hydrogen infrastructure, which is expected to create thousands of clean energy jobs in industrial regions across Britain.
The funding will go towards building the UK’s first regional hydrogen transport and storage network, linking hydrogen producers with end users in sectors including power stations and heavy industry.
This investment is expected to generate skilled roles in regions such as Merseyside, Teesside and the Humber, as well as in the supply chain.
It forms part of ongoing work to reduce reliance on international fossil fuels and support manufacturing sectors like iron, steel, glass, chemicals and ceramics.
The announcement followed confirmation that thousands of new jobs are also being created across the country, including 10,000 at Sizewell C in Suffolk, jobs for a new fusion reactor in Nottinghamshire, up to 3,000 roles through the small modular reactor programme, and funding for the Acorn project in Scotland and the Viking project in the Humber.
This is on top of 4,000 jobs already due to be created in CCUS projects in the North West and Teesside.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We are investing over half a billion pounds in our industrial heartlands to deliver jobs and energy security for Britain.
“By building hydrogen networks, we are securing homegrown energy that will power British industry for generations to come.
“This will bring in the investment needed across the country to deliver our Plan for Change by unlocking clean energy and growth in our local economies.”
Brett Ryan, head of policy and analysis at Hydrogen UK, said: “We welcome today’s announcement on hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.
“Hydrogen networks are essential for a secure and resilient hydrogen sector, whilst ensuring sufficient energy storage capacity will be critical to energy security and affordability during the energy transition.
“We look forward to working with the Government as we continue to deliver hydrogen’s role in reaching net zero and ensuring our energy security.”
Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said: “This announcement is a key piece of the puzzle and represents very welcome government support to galvanise the UK’s regional hydrogen hubs.
“By investing in transport and storage infrastructure, the government is rightly joining the dots, connecting already supported hydrogen production with end users across power and industry.
“This strategic thinking builds on the strength of our established industrial regions and supported clusters, unlocking clean energy potential while creating skilled jobs in places such as Merseyside, Teesside and the Humber.
“It’s a vital step forward on the UK’s journey to becoming a clean energy superpower.”
