A series of key policy recommendations could help the Government achieve its target of 10GW of low carbon hydrogen by 2030, including at least 5GW from green hydrogen production.

The new report, entitled Green Hydrogen: Optimising Net Zero, from RenewableUK shows that a UK-wide green hydrogen economy has the potential to create thousands of highly skilled jobs throughout the country and provide opportunities to become an exporter of green hydrogen, especially to mainland Europe.

Green hydrogen could be produced in electrolysers using electricity generated by wind and other renewables, keeping the grid balanced at all times. In the longer term, green hydrogen can be stored underground in vast quantities to help manage fluctuations in energy demand on a seasonal basis, instead of using fossil fuels.

The policy recommendations for Government includes setting out a detailed roadmap showing how 5GW of green hydrogen capacity can be secured by 2030, including a supportive planning regime which would enable electrolysers to be built alongside wind farms and exempting electrolysers from some charges for access to the Grid. There is also a call for the introduction of a standard which specifically promotes green hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel, and that all types of green hydrogen projects, big or small, can receive support under the Hydrogen Business Model, which is similar to Contracts for Difference for other renewables.

Share Story: