Britain unveils employment opportunities as initial wave of hydrogen projects inks contracts
In a significant stride towards a cleaner and greener future, the UK is progressing with 10 commercial-scale green hydrogen projects as part of the government's flagship hydrogen programme, Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1). These projects, set to begin construction between 2025 and April 2028, will provide clean power primarily to heavy industry, refineries, chemical production, manufacturing, waste disposal, and transport sectors, aiding in the decarbonization of industrial regions.
The projects, while not yet fully named, are located in key regions across the UK, including South Wales, Bradford (North West), North Scotland, Teesside (North East), and Northfleet (Kent). Each project serves diverse decarbonization needs, from heavy industry and hydrogen production in South Wales to a large-scale conversion of a former fossil gas site in Bradford into a green hydrogen facility and fueling station.
These initiatives have secured over £400 million in private investment and over £2 billion in government revenue support over 15 years under the Hydrogen Production Business Model and Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. The projects are expected to create over 700 skilled jobs in construction, operations, engineering, pipefitting, and related fields across the UK.
The projects aim to decarbonize traditionally hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy industry, chemical manufacturing, refineries, and heavy transport, paving the way for a zero-carbon, homegrown energy supply. This set of projects marks the first commercial-scale green hydrogen rollout in the UK, underpinning the government’s clean energy superpower ambitions with a focus on industrial renewal and regional economic growth.
The UK government and industry have demonstrated confidence and commitment in building a sustainable hydrogen sector. Notable figures such as Lucy Whitford, RES' Managing Director, UK&I, and Pierre de Raphélis-Soissan, CEO of Hynamics UK, have expressed their excitement about the potential of green hydrogen to revolutionize industry and contribute to the UK's net zero and energy security goals.
The Hydrogen Energy Association's members, including Alistair Collins, Director at HyMarnham Power, are at the forefront of the transition to a hydrogen economy. The announcement of contracts for 10 projects under HAR1 is a significant milestone for the UK's hydrogen sector, with further details available on the registry. The government is working collaboratively with the project developer of the final HAR1 project to ensure they are ready to sign the Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement as soon as possible.
In conclusion, the UK's green hydrogen projects represent a promising step towards a sustainable and prosperous future, with the potential to create jobs, support regional economies, and decarbonize hard-to-reach sectors.
- The UK's hydrogen economy is progressing with 10 commercial-scale green hydrogen projects, part of Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1), aiming to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
- These projects, located in key UK regions, will provide clean power to various sectors, including heavy industry, refineries, manufacturing, transport, and waste disposal, aiding in the country's decarbonization efforts.
- These green hydrogen projects have secured significant investment, with over £400 million in private funding and £2 billion in government revenue support over 15 years.
- The projects are expected to create over 700 skilled jobs in engineering, pipefitting, and related fields, contributing to the UK's industrial renewal and regional economic growth.
- Notable industry figures are excited about the potential of green hydrogen to revolutionize traditional industries and contribute to the UK's net zero and energy security goals.
- The Hydrogen Energy Association, with members like HyMarnham Power's Alistair Collins, is at the forefront of the transition to a hydrogen economy, with the announcement of these 10 HAR1 projects marking a significant milestone.
- The UK government is collaborating with project developers to ensure a smooth transition to a sustainable hydrogen sector, with the potential to create jobs, support regional economies, and decarbonize hard-to-reach sectors, contributing to a prosperous and cleaner future.
