The UK Government has announced that the construction of ten commercial-scale green hydrogen projects under its Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) has started, signalling a major step towards the country’s ambition to become a “clean energy superpower”.
These projects are set to create skilled jobs and drive private capital investment, reinforcing the country’s commitment to decarbonising heavy industry and fostering economic growth.
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The projects, spanning areas such as South Wales, Bradford, North Scotland, and Teesside, are poised to generate over 700 jobs and attract more than £400m in private investment between 2024 and 2026.
This initiative aligns with the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to transition industries from fossil fuels to low-carbon hydrogen, thereby promoting reindustrialisation through decarbonisation.
One of the projects, namely HyMarnham in Newark, Nottinghamshire, is already being transformed from a former coal-fired power station into a hydrogen-based clean energy hub.
Similarly, the Cromarty Hydrogen Project in north-east Scotland is set to power local industries, including distilleries.
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By GlobalDataThis development is further bolstered by Kimberly-Clark’s announcement to invest £125m in partnership with HYRO, Carlton Power, and Schroders Greencoat for green hydrogen initiatives at its facilities in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and Northfleet, Kent.
UK Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said: “This government is rolling out hydrogen at scale for the first time, with ten of the first projects now shovel-ready to start powering businesses with clean, homegrown energy from Teesside to Devon.
“Hydrogen will help us cut industrial emissions and support Britain’s industrial renewal by creating thousands of jobs in our industrial heartlands as part of the Plan for Change.”
Following the Spending Review, an additional £500m has been allocated for the UK’s first hydrogen transport and storage network, which aims to connect hydrogen producers with end users such as power stations and industries.
The government is also set to consult on hydrogen transmission blending, which could potentially reduce production costs and lower energy bills for consumers.
Hydrogen UK CEO Clare Jackson said: “Signing these contracts demonstrates the confidence and commitment of both the government and industry in building a sustainable hydrogen sector.
“Our members are at the forefront of this transition, and their projects will play a vital role in meeting the UK’s net-zero targets while driving economic growth and job creation.”
