Anticipated to be at the centre of the UK’s low-carbon hydrogen economy, HyNet is hoped to reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes a year by 2030.
HyNet’s infrastructure is set to produce and store low-carbon hydrogen to fuel industry, generate power, fuel heavy transport and enable low-carbon heating for homes and businesses.
Read more: HyNet Hydrogen Production Plant – the UK’s first large-scale low carbon hydrogen facility
Skidmore, the now Chair of the Environment All-Party Parliamentary Group, visited HyNet partners INOVYN and Encirc. INOVYN is develop hydrogen storage, which is expected to equate to over 10% of the UK’s current gas storage, supporting UK energy security. While glass manufacturer, Encirc, is planning to become and end-user of HyNet’s hydrogen to decarbonise its manufacturing processes.
Read more: HyNet North West to support the decarbonisation of Encric’s glass operations using hydrogen
Commenting on the visit, Chris Skidmore, said, ““HyNet will make a substantial impact on the UK’s drive to reach Net Zero. The project is a great example of how we can generate jobs and attract investment through Net Zero growth.
“Government must engage with hard-to-decarbonise sectors, supporting them to operate sustainably, both protecting the UK’s vital manufacturing base whilst, at the same time, enabling them to produce the low carbon products consumers are demanding.
“Net Zero growth will allow our economy to thrive, whilst protecting our planet.”
What could be next for UK hydrogen under a new PM?
One could be forgiven for overlooking many of the positive initiatives set out during Boris Johnson’s stint as leader of the UK, given a two-year long battle with the Covid-19 pandemic and high-profile scandals that latterly dogged his time in office.
Nevertheless, in the years of the Johnson Premiership, the UK has seen a significant push to develop and deploy a range of hydrogen technologies. With millions of pounds having been made available for pilot projects, and the doubling of the low-carbon hydrogen production goal to 10GW by 2030, despite his tenuous tenure in office, it would be difficult to say that the UK’s hydrogen industry is not in better shape than before Johnson took residence in Number 10.
The current UK hydrogen strategy saw from the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) forecast that by 2050, the nation could require between 250-460TWh of hydrogen to delivery up to a third of final energy consumption [1]. In order to meet the target, the BEIS launched the £60m Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 Competition to develop novel supply solutions, announced its intentions to develop a Hydrogen Business Model, launched the £240m Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, and planned to establish a Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard.
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