The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has called on the Government to prioritise investment in hydrogen infrastructure in the upcoming Spending Review.
It argues that hydrogen is a transformative economic opportunity for the UK, poised to play a central role in delivering net-zero, driving economic growth, creating high-value jobs, and establishing the UK as a global leader in energy transition technologies.
The north-west of England is uniquely positioned to spearhead the UK’s hydrogen economy. The region benefits from a convergence of critical factors, including favourable geological conditions, robust industrial and power assets, and a suite of mature hydrogen projects already under development.
One such initiative, HyNet, stands as the most advanced industrial cluster globally, primed to deliver low-carbon hydrogen at scale. However, competitors in other regions are rapidly progressing, underscoring the urgency for the UK Government to act decisively.
Dave Richardson, chair of the NWHA and decarbonisation solutions director at Costain, said: “The UK is at a critical juncture. It is imperative that the Government capitalises on the unparalleled opportunity presented by hydrogen in the North West. Scaling back on hydrogen ambitions would not only jeopardise the UK’s Net Zero commitments but also risk ceding leadership in a high-growth global market to international competitors.
“Hydrogen is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and establish the UK as a global leader in energy transition technologies.
“By supporting hydrogen development in the north-west, the Government can unlock significant private sector investment, ensuring that the benefits of the hydrogen economy are felt across communities and industries. This is not just an investment in a region—it is an investment in the UK’s future as a green energy powerhouse.”
Hydrogen body urges further UK investment in the sector
