The UK Government has provided support for the hydrogen economy with the release of its Hydrogen Strategy last year, yet many perceive this as setting targets much lower than should be expected if Britain wishes to become a leader in hydrogen.

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Victrex has called on the Government to ensure that hi-tech industries such as Chemicals are able to access hydrogen networks, and for greater collaboration between those involved in developing future hydrogen clusters around the UK to ensure key industries are not left behind.

As well as this, the Government should ensure there is a way to utilise alternative fuels such as hydrogen that manufacturing industries can consider in their future investment plan

Victrex, which has its global headquarters in Thornton-Cleveleys, UK, wants to tap into UK hydrogen networks to support a 2030 carbon net zero goal.

Access to hydrogen could help provide a competitive advantage with Victrex regarded as a major UK exporter (98% of sales non-UK) serving household names in Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Energy & Industrial and Medical end markets.

Several hydrogen clusters are already being proposed in the UK including one in Cheshire, but with no links to major Chemical and Defence industry companies in parts of Lancashire.

Jakob Sigurdsson, Chief Executive of Victrex, said, “For companies like Victrex, and others in the wider Chemicals and manufacturing sectors, access to alternative fuels like hydrogen will be needed in order to support future carbon reduction plans – plans which are vital to the UK government’s own climate change targets.

“Hi-tech industries like Chemicals have a key role to play not just in the UK, but as global organisations. It is important to be able to inform our global customers about continuing progress on our Sustainability agenda, including the potential to use hydrogen as a fuel source.

“We’ve explained to ministers that a number of key industries in the UK like Chemicals and Defence could be left behind unless they are able to access future hydrogen grids. It’s vital that we can utilise alternative fuels and can start to consider their potential in our own investment plans before grids are developed.”