The All Party Parliamentary Group on Hydrogen

The APPG on Hydrogen has published its report urging the Government to deliver beyond its existing net zero commitments and set ambitious hydrogen targets in forthcoming strategies to reach net zero by 2050.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen’s report on the role of ‘Hydrogen in powering industry’, sets out 10 recommendations to support and accelerate the growth of the UK’s hydrogen sector and enable a sustainable energy transition.

1. The Government must continue to expand beyond its existing commitments of 5GW production in the forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy.
2. Any forthcoming Government and devolved policies must be complementary of the wider UK low-carbon commitments.
3. Industrial clusters should be prioritised for hydrogen use and will be the key catalyst for driving forward the UK’s decarbonisation of industry.
4. The Government must commit to incentivising hydrogen production within the UK as opposed to importing this.
5. The Government must align hydrogen production pathways with nuclear technology to enhance hydrogen production.
6. The Government must develop a UK wide hydrogen network to support the transport sector, including a larger-scale implementation of hydrogen refuelling stations.
7. Regulators must act quickly to update energy regulations and guidance to support hydrogen’s role in powering industry.
8. For hydrogen to expand in the UK, a technology neutral approach is required for all types of energy systems.
9. Significant and long-term financial support is required for the development, deployment and operation of hydrogen technologies.
10. Ofgem must ensure the hydrogen market is subject to effective competition to drive down prices for consumers.

Chair of the APPG on Hydrogen, Jacob Young MP said:

“The UK has led the way in tackling climate change, becoming the first major economy to commit to net zero by 2050. It can continue to do this by powering UK industry with hydrogen technology whilst exporting its successes on an international scale.

 “With COP26 later this year, and the Hydrogen Strategy, Heat and Buildings Strategy and Net-Zero Strategy expected to be published shortly, there has never been more exciting opportunities for the Government to expand beyond its existing commitments for 5GW Hydrogen production. This will help to level up the UK and support the creation of green jobs whilst delivering for our economy and long-term environmental aims.”

The report finds that industry is ready to play its part in supporting the Government’s 2050 net zero target. Both UK and devolved Governments must quickly put in place the right policy levers and infrastructure to support businesses looking to do the right thing. The Government must continue to lead the way and act quickly, implementing coordinated and ambitious strategies to enable the delivery of hydrogen at scale.

About the Group and the inquiry

The APPG on Hydrogen was established in July 2018. It is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers that focuses on raising awareness of and building support for large scale hydrogen projects that will enable the UK to meet decarbonisation targets.

Launched in March this year, the inquiry heard from industry leaders, including those from across the energy, transport and manufacturing sectors as they outlined the short term and long-term steps required to grow the UK’s hydrogen sector.

The APPG received over 70 responses to its call for evidence and heard from organisations about how they are contributing to a greener future and the changes they require to ensure that hydrogen plays a fundamental role in reducing carbon emissions.