The UK government’s Hydrogen Strategy, unveiled today, will contribute to the success of meeting the target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. As a renewable energy, hydrogen is widely regarded as a vital part of the future energy mix that will lead to net zero emissions.
By 2030, hydrogen could play an important role in decarbonising polluting, energy-intensive industries like chemicals, oil refineries, power and heavy transport like shipping, HGV lorries and trains, by helping these sectors move away from fossil fuels. Low-carbon hydrogen provides opportunities for UK companies and workers across the UK’s industrial heartlands, including Worcester-based manufacturer Worcester Bosch.
Estimates suggest that a booming, UK-wide hydrogen economy could be worth £900 million and create over 9,000 high-quality jobs by 2030, potentially rising to 100,000 jobs and worth up to £13 billion by 2050. In addition, according to analysis, between 20-35 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption by 2050 could be hydrogen-based.
Worcester’s MP Robin Walker has welcomed the recent announcement, but urges people to wait until the Heat in Buildings Strategy is published later this year before judging the significance of the Hydrogen Strategy for Worcester. Worcester Bosch’s hydrogen-powered heating systems in homes will help reduce the environmental impact of domestic heating systems. Robin said:
“I warmly welcome the unveiling of our strategy to increase the level of hydrogen-generated power in our energy mix. We are the first country in the G7 to specifically legislate for net zero by 2050 and this is an important practical step that we are taking to achieve that aim.
“I am glad that one of my constituency’s biggest employers has joined me in welcoming the strategy as it will help them grow and create jobs in Worcester. The Heat in Buildings Strategy, due this year, will offer further help for manufacturers like Worcester Bosch as they work to develop products with less reliance on carbon-generated energy.”
Business & Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:
“Today marks the start of the UK’s hydrogen revolution. This home-grown clean energy source has the potential to transform the way we power our lives and will be essential to tackling climate change and reaching Net Zero.
“With the potential to provide a third of the UK’s energy in the future, our strategy positions the UK as first in the global race to ramp up hydrogen technology and seize the thousands of jobs and private investment that come with it.”
The full UK Hydrogen Strategy is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1011283/UK-Hydrogen-Strategy_web.pdf
