In response to the release of the Hydrogen Strategy, the downstream sector is committed to working with the UK Government to help build the hydrogen economy. The downstream sector is the largest producer and user of hydrogen in the UK, safely handling hydrogen since the first UK refinery methane reformer was commissioned in Billingham in 1936.

According to the Climate Change Committee, “A significant low-carbon hydrogen economy will be needed to help tackle the challenges” in the UK’s transition to Net-Zero. Since refineries are central parts of low-carbon industrial clusters in the UK, UKPIA sees a crucial role for them in both blue and green hydrogen producers and users.

Indeed, UKPIA members are already leading the way with projects such as HyNet North West (blue hydrogen) and Gigastack (green hydrogen). UKPIA strongly supports the industrial cluster concept, which can deliver deployment of hydrogen at scale, as an important way to decarbonise the manufacturing sector while attracting investment and maintaining jobs across the regions of the UK.

Hydrogen will also have a role in the decarbonisation of transport alongside electrification and low carbon fuels. UKPIA’s report “The Future of Mobility in the UK”, explores potential roles for hydrogen in transport such as HGVs, shipping, and some forms of aviation.

UKPIA Director-General Stephen Marcos Jones:
“We welcome the publication of the Hydrogen Strategy and we will continue to engage with the UK Government on the policies announced today – especially the important work on business models and overcoming existing cost barriers - to ensure they support attainment of the UK’s Net-Zero goal in an efficient and economically sustainable way.

There are multiple opportunities for hydrogen to decarbonise parts of the economy, from transport to home heating and especially in decarbonising heavy manufacturing processes and we will look to support clean hydrogen technology in that important role.”

KeyFacts Energy: Hydrogen news