Under the theme of Fuelling the future Now, a keynote session kicked off the day, with the Hydrogen UK boss, highlighting the UK’s potential to become a leader in hydrogen, however warned that, “the world is catching up,” adding that the industry cannot afford to stagnate.

“Not only can we deliver clean, affordable, secure energy for our industries, businesses, and consumers, but we can revitalise our economy,” Jackson said. “The people in the room here today are the ones trying to pull off this challenge.”

The UK’s Hydrogen Champion, Jane Toogood, Sector Chief Executive at Johnson Matthey told attendees that the UK has not lost its hydrogen advantage, however said, it needs to move.

Toogood highlighted the need to kickstart hydrogen investments, saying, “pace and certainty are key,” adding that the UK must develop its hydrogen production business model and stick to it. “We need a proper 2030 roadmap that can invite and provide investors with the clarity that they need to plan an investment strategy,” the UK Hydrogen Champion said.

In addition to providing clarity and certainty, Toogood said, “having infrastructure is absolutely key to delivering hydrogen,” saying the UK needs a plan for integrated infrastructure to deliver an optimal future energy system incorporating gas, hydrogen, and electricity.

The event comes against a backdrop of rapid policy developments in Europe and the US, with the European Commission having proposed a renewable hydrogen subsidy last month (February 2023), and the passing of the US’ Inflation Reduction Act, offering tax credits for low-carbon hydrogen production last year (2022). In recent months numerous reports have suggested that the UK could miss out on hydrogen if policy support does not ramp up.

Read more: UK Net Zero Review: UK could be global leader in hydrogen but risks losing out

Stephanie Murphey, Director of Hydrogen at the newly formed UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, via video link told UKHFCC delegates that the Government remains committed to developing the industry, saying, “the department name may have changed, but I can assure you that the UK Government continues to see hydrogen as a key priority.”

Read more: Industry reacts to UK Government department shake-up

H2 View is on the ground at the UKHFCC and will be bringing you the highlights of the day.