The hydrogen route map identifies various key areas for the value chain including where demand, supply, distribution and storage opportunities all exist for hydrogen.
This could prove vital in decarbonising the estuary whilst additionally growing the hydrogen ecosystem in the region.
Read more: Plans for Thames Estuary hydrogen ecosystem take significant step forward
Read more: Scottish Cluster throws its weight behind decarbonising Thames Estuary through hydrogen
As well as this, the route map also outlines requirements for the investment market and pinpoints investment clusters, establishes a broad set of relationships with key stakeholders, and highlights the competitive advantage of locating a hydrogen ecosystem in the Estuary.
The key strategic location of the Estuary makes it a key area for the growing hydrogen ecosystem with it situated right next to the UK capital, London, and stretches out into the North Sea.
It is anticipated that developments in hydrogen could unlock significant benefits for the local area with Thames Estuary estimating that it could attract £2.2bn ($3.03bn) of investment.
This development comes ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, with hydrogen expected to feature throughout the event.
Kate Willard OBE, Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, said, “We are proud and excited to launch The Thames Estuary Hydrogen Route Map.
“Through our Green Blue vision, our objective is to unlock £190bn ($262bn) of national growth potential by capitalising upon the unique built and natural assets of the Thames Estuary. The Growth Board works tirelessly to identify and catalyse new opportunities to create the cleanest and greenest river-side region anywhere on the planet.
“Over the past six months, we have looked across the Estuary to understand the needs and opportunities and articulate the scope for a hydrogen ecosystem which is compelling and capable of attracting multi-billion-pound investment.
“A hydrogen ecosystem in the Estuary will have far-reaching, positive implications not only for the region, but for the UK as a whole.”
Will hydrogen take centre stage at COP26?
An urgency to decrease worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and promote a healthier, more sustainable way of living are principles that the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) hold dearly. Regarded as one of the most significant events around the world in modern day politics, the 26th annual summit, COP26, will hold unprecedented significance on the future with the awakening and consciousness of sustainable practices in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Taking place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow, Scotland, the UK will host the event in partnership with Italy, starting on October 31 to November 12, and will bring together leaders from all around the globe to discuss different aspects of society. One particular focus for this year could well be hydrogen. Because of hydrogen’s unique properties and characteristics regarding zero-emissions, the clean energy carrier integrates perfectly into one of COP26’s key goals; to secure global net zero by the mid-century and keep the 1.5 degrees target within reach.
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