Leaders of the hydrogen industry in the North West have told the Government to back the development of hydrogen transport and storage systems so the sector can help the 海角视频 reach net zero targets.
A new report from the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) says that while Government policy frameworks have been created to support hydrogen production, the development of transport and storage policies has been slower.
鈥淭he role of hydrogen infrastructure in the future energy system鈥 says a transport network, consisting of new pipelines and the repurposing of existing gas lines, is vital to help link producers both to storage sites and to the end users of hydrogen. The alliance says 鈥淎 well-developed hydrogen network enables large-scale production at central facilities for distribution across various regions and users. It also provides flexibility in choosing storage locations, allowing hydrogen to be produced where it's most cost-effective and consumed where demand is highest.鈥
And it adds: 鈥淗ydrogen storage can support the 海角视频 energy system by matching production with demand whilst facilitating decarbonisation of the electricity system. By storing surplus electricity during periods of excess generation, hydrogen storage provides flexible energy generation during times of high demand and low renewable energy output.鈥
The report comes on the day Sir Keir Starmer set a target for the 海角视频 to be 鈥渙n track鈥 to deliver 95% clean power by 2030.
The North West is a leader in the development of hydrogen, with work ongoing at the key hub of Stanlow in Cheshire where two large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production plants are in development. Those plants would link to existing local gas infrastructure 鈥 potentially including gas storage facilities in salt caverns below the Irish Sea.
This year the Government announced 拢22bn in support for two carbon capture and storage (CCS) schemes 鈥 Hynet, which stretches across the North West and North Wales, and the East Coast Cluster in Teesside and the Humber.
The NWHA鈥檚 Economic Impact Assessment estimates the North West鈥檚 hydrogen sector could boost the region鈥檚 economy by 拢3.4bn by 2030.
Dave Richardson, interim chair of the NWHA and decarbonisation solutions director at Costain, said: 鈥淭ransport and storage infrastructure is essential to realising the potential of hydrogen in reaching net zero and improving energy resilience and security. It is crucial that the Government prioritises unlocking investment in these key infrastructure assets by urgently bringing forward Hydrogen Transport and Storage Business models.
鈥淭he North West is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the 海角视频鈥檚 transition to hydrogen and infrastructure must be developed as a national priority. Continued government support is essential to ensure a balanced development across the sector, to drive investment and unlock significant economic benefits.鈥
Don't miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters 鈥 sign up here for free
