Hydrogen UK launches manifesto for next government

Hydrogen trade association, Hydrogen UK, has launched its manifesto, putting forward key policy recommendations for the incoming government to help the hydrogen industry realise its full potential.

This manifesto outlines measures for the first 100 days in office, to longer term solutions. These include a ministerial role with direct responsibility for hydrogen within Government to champion the sector’s growth and ensure cohesive policymaking across departments. To catalyse industry momentum, the acceleration of investment decisions for pioneering hydrogen projects is required, setting a precedent for subsequent initiatives.   

Commenting on the need for FID, Clare Jackson said: “Seeing is believing with any innovative technology. To showcase hydrogen’s true value, we must ensure pioneering projects reach final investment decisions as soon as possible. The incoming government must prioritise this within its first 100 days, or risk jeopardising all progress made thus far.”   

Similarly, expediting the first Hydrogen Allocation Rounds of the Hydrogen Storage Business Model and Hydrogen Transport Business Model is required to provide clarity on the regions and projects that will be selected. A reiteration of the commitment to future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds and releasing the consultation on the design of the hydrogen funding mechanism is called for, providing funding certainty for hydrogen support schemes which is essential for instilling investor confidence across the sector.   

A single standard (i.e. the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard) for use across departments responsible for supply and demand, should be adopted to ensure a single consistent definition of low carbon hydrogen across all government support mechanisms.  

Finally, the manifesto calls for the immediate funding of projects within Track-1 of the Cluster Sequencing Process, and the announcement of successful Track-1x projects. Clear timelines and funding envelopes for and Track-2 Projects must also be set.