Hydrogen UK Manifesto

Hydrogen presents the UK with a substantial opportunity to drive economic growth and secure skilled jobs, by leveraging our natural geological and geographical advantages, robust supply chain, and existing energy expertise. Hydrogen UK’s most recent Economic Impact Assessment estimates that the hydrogen sector in the UK could support approximately 30,000 direct jobs and contribute more than £7 billion gross value added annually by 2030. On a global scale, the hydrogen market is projected to be worth $2.5 trillion by 2050.
With international competition increasing, the UK must act now to capitalise on this potential. These projections are supported by a recognition that hydrogen is one of the key solutions to decarbonising the UK economy, complementing other low-carbon solutions such as electrification, carbon capture, biofuels, and energy efficiency. Additionally, hydrogen will play a vital role in enhancing the UK’s energy security by storing domestically produced energy to balance intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. As a critical component of the clean energy transition, hydrogen is indispensable to achieving net zero.
As it stands, the UK is well placed to capitalise on the hydrogen opportunity and emerge as a global leader. We have made early strides in establishing a framework for hydrogen development, with various pilot projects and strategic investments already underway. However, the next five years will be critical for the sector as we move from strategy and planning to development and delivery. It is imperative to get the first lowcarbon production projects over the line and into construction as a matter of urgency, and then deliver substantial infrastructure development, regulatory clarity, and sustained financial support to scale-up production and distribution. A new Government presents an opportunity for policymakers to solidify commitments and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technology, ensuring the UK remains competitive in the global race.
Our manifesto outlines policy recommendations for the new UK Government to take across production, distribution and storage infrastructure, end use applications, trade and beyond, which will support a thriving British industrial base that creates jobs and growth for British people. To achieve this, the UK hydrogen industry calls on policymakers to speed up the deployment of hydrogen through the recommendations set out in this Manifesto.
This report can be found on Hydrogen UK's website.