The team, based in Theale near Reading, discussed the urgency of the climate crisis with the minister, and the part we all play in finding solutions.

Around 35,000 people in the UK live on boats, and Hydrogen Afloat is revolutionising how they can power their homes in a greener way – through its hydrogen fuel cell-based domestic power systems for narrow boats and inland waterway vessels.

Nick Swift, Hydrogen Afloat Director, and a chartered engineer who himself lives ‘aboard’, said, “The canals and rivers of the UK are currently heavily dependent on carbon-based fuels, like most parts of society. Introducing hydrogen fuel cell technology for domestic power is a first step on a path to decarbonising the 6,500 mile UK network by 2050.”

He shared his experience of the challenges of living on water in the UK. “Whilst solar works well in summer, in winter electrical power to live by has to be made by running generators or idling boat engines, both methods that create local pollution and noise,” he said.

But he solved this problem by integrating a hydrogen fuel cell into his narrowboat, providing silent, pollution free power at point of use.

Celia Greaves, Chief Executive and Founder of the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association – the leading hydrogen association in the UK – said, “Hydrogen is vital in reaching net zero and we need comprehensive strategies and support to ensure the UK is at the forefront of this worldwide effort.”

“We are calling for MPs to get behind us in pushing for regulations that will make deployment easier for all industries.”

She said the UK HFCA has more than 100 members, comprising companies large and small across a wide range of industry sectors.