Hydrogen could play a key role in the UK’s future Net Zero goals

Hydrogen hubs are emerging as key to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

These hubs support both “green hydrogen,” produced through electrolysis powered by renewables like wind and solar, and “blue hydrogen,” derived from natural gas but with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions.

Key hubs include Teesside, aiming to produce 1 GW of blue hydrogen by 2030; the Humber region, focusing on both blue and green hydrogen; the North West, where the HyNet North West project will deliver blue hydrogen to power generation and industrial processes; and Aberdeen, which is pioneering green hydrogen, particularly for transport and export, leveraging Scotland’s renewable resources.

The future of hydrogen in the UK is closely tied to hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy industry and transport, utilising renewable electricity for green hydrogen production to stabilise the grid, and exploring hydrogen as a cleaner alternative for domestic heating.

The transport sector will benefit from hydrogen fuel cells, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, buses, and potentially trains, offering longer range and fast refueling compared to battery-electric solutions. Additionally, hydrogen could play a pivotal role in heating and power generation, with projects exploring its use in gas turbines and potentially replacing natural gas in domestic heating systems.

With global demand for green hydrogen rising, particularly in Europe, the UK sees an opportunity to export hydrogen, especially from Scotland, which has significant renewable energy potential. Challenges to this transition include reducing the cost of green hydrogen production, scaling up infrastructure for distribution and storage, and ensuring strong government policy support and investment.