North West hydrogen sector calls for greater focus on storage and transport networks to meet net zero goals

The North West’s emerging hydrogen sector has called for additional input from government to support the low-carbon fuel’s transport and storage to help meet net zero goals.

In a report published by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA), while progress at policy level has been made in supporting hydrogen production and meeting the UK’s 10GW target for 2030, the development of transport and storage business models has not progressed at the same pace.

‘The role of hydrogen infrastructure in the future energy system’ report outlines the vital role of hydrogen networks, through either the construction of new pipelines or the repurposing of current gas pipelines, in linking producers to diverse and distributed end users and storage facilities. It also explores the role hydrogen can play in balancing the supply and demand of electricity when wind and solar output exceeds or falls short of energy needs.

The NWHA is advocating a whole system approach where transport and storage are integrated to enhance the overall effectiveness of hydrogen infrastructure and maximise its decarbonisation and economic benefits.

Dave Richardson, Interim Chair of the NWHA and Decarbonisation Solutions Director at Costain said:

“Transport and storage infrastructure is essential to realising the potential of hydrogen in reaching net zero and improving energy resilience and security. It is crucial that the Government prioritises unlocking investment in these key infrastructure assets by urgently bringing forward Hydrogen Transport and Storage Business models.

“The North West is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the UK’s transition to hydrogen and infrastructure must be developed as a national priority. Continued government support is essential to ensure a balanced development across the sector, to drive investment and unlock significant economic benefits.”

The UK has committed to reaching net zero by 2050, a bold target that involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. Low carbon hydrogen will be essential in achieving this goal, particularly in decarbonising hard to abate sectors like industry, aviation, heavy transport and flexible power generation.

The North West is fast establishing itself as a global leader in hydrogen and is home to some of the most well-developed hydrogen projects in the UK. Last month it was announced that the Government has pledged £22 billion over the next 25 years to support the development of two carbon capture clusters, including HyNet in the North West.

The UK’s first large scale, low carbon hydrogen production plants HPP1 and HPP2 are being developed by NWHA member EET Hydrogen at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire (pictured) which could produce over 1GW of hydrogen by 2030. The region also has features that make it an ideal candidate for early hydrogen adoption including salt layers for hydrogen storage, offshore geology suitable for storage of carbon dioxide and a large industrial cluster.

A report earlier this year by the NWHA found that hydrogen production infrastructure in the North West could add £3.4 billion to the regional economy by 2030, and support up to 37,000 jobs.