Hydrogen Hub welcomes the Clean Growth Plan
The much-anticipated Clean Growth Strategy was published today by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy. The document lays out the Government’s ambitions to cut emissions while keeping costs down for consumers, creating good jobs and growing the economy.
Whilst the Government acknowledges that there is a level of uncertainty over which technologies will help the UK to meet emission reduction targets, the strategy document outlines three illustrative long-term pathways towards decarbonisation. One of these is the ‘Hydrogen Pathway’ whereby hydrogen is used to heat homes and buildings, fuel many vehicles and power the UK’s industry. This pathway would see the adaptation of the existing gas infrastructure to deliver hydrogen for heating and the rollout of a network of hydrogen refuelling stations.
Over the past few years, prevailing views on the future of the UK energy system have moved away from complete electrification of heat and transport towards a mixed vector approach and the Clean Growth Strategy is certainly in keeping with this trend. However, the level of recognition hydrogen has received in such a key policy document is the strongest sign yet for the hydrogen and fuel cell industry of the opportunity that exists in the UK.
The Government must follow through on this with appropriate policy support and increased funding for the development of the technology. Meanwhile, the hydrogen and fuel cell industry must continue to demonstrate the benefits and value presented by the technology and make the case for the ‘Hydrogen Pathway’. The Hydrogen Hub will continue to support both industry and government in the pursuit of a hydrogen future.
For more information please see www.hydrogenhub.org or contact Clare Jackson at E: clare.jackson@hydrogenhub.org
–Ends–
Media contact: +44(0) 121 709 5587
Notes to editor
- The Clean Growth Plan was published today, you can see the report in full here.
- The Hydrogen Hub is an industry-led community of stakeholders from across the hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain, Government, local authorities, businesses and current and potential users.
- The Executive Members provide strategic direction, set Hydrogen Hub priorities and take a leadership role in the development of projects in the Local Hydrogen Hubs. They also make up the members of the National Hydrogen Hub which work with the Government to shape energy and transportation policy in the UK.