Latest News on the UK Hydrogen Economy - 15/07/20
Ames Goldsmith Ceimig are strong supports of the emerging Hydrogen Economy and supply many manufacturers of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology including PEM Electrolysers and PEM Fuel Cells with Iridium Catalysts and Platinum Catalysts.
In the UK we are members of the UKHFCA & SHFCA. Here are some of the recent developments in Hydrogen happening in the UK and affecting the Hydrogen Economy more broadly:
EU Hydrogen Strategy:
On the 8th of July the EU launched its Hydrogen Strategy paper giving details of there plans for an integrated energy system which will use green hydrogen. This includes plans for:
At least 6 gigawatts of renewable hydrogen electrolysers in the EU from 2020 to 2024 and the production of up to one million tonnes of renewable hydrogen.
At least 40 gigawatts of renewable hydrogen electrolysers in the EU from 2025 to 2030 and the production of up to ten million tonnes of renewable hydrogen in the EU.
From 2030 to 2050, renewable hydrogen technologies should reach maturity and be deployed at large scale across all hard-to-decarbonise sectors.
The Committee on Climate Change released the Reducing UK emissions report:
On the 25th of June the CCC issued their 2020 report to the UK government highlighting the need for BEIS to develop a hydriogen strategy by H1 2021
How the UK’s hydrogen sector can help support the UK’s economic recovery:
On the 7th of July The Westminster All Party Parliamentary Group on Hydrogen released a paper on how hydrogen could be used as part of a green recovery. This includes:
Establishing a cross departmental group focused on hydrogen technology and a new regulatory framework to support deployment
Targets for low carbon hydrogen production alongside low carbon obligation to enable investment.
Incentivise hydrogen ready boilers
Subsidies to stimulate hydrogen vehicle purchases or subsidies per Kg hydrogen sold.
UK Government confirms hydrogen bus town trial:
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, confirms plans for all-hydrogen bus town. £50M fund will be released for the project.
Emission Reduction Road map for Inland Shipping on the Tidal Thames:
The PLA working with E4tech launched their rad map for emissions reduction including the use of fuel cell electric vehicles and low carbon fuel.
UK government development bank to end fossil fuel financing:
The UK government’s overseas development bank has bowed to calls to end fossil fuel financing abroad by promising to invest only in companies that align with the Paris climate agreement.
Industry and Academia prioritize renewable technologies and Hydrogen:
40 world leading academics backed by over 40 business call for the UK to lay out the foundations of a UK-wide Hydrogen strategy with a call for more graduates focusing in these areas.
Northern Gas Networks Pioneering Hydrogen Project takes first step in South Bank:
South Bank in Redcar & Cleveland could become the base of the next phase of a pioneering hydrogen project aimed at reducing UK emissions. Under the proposal existing pipes on the site would be used to test a series of standard gas network procedures using hydrogen.
Renewable UK call report Green Hydrogen is the key to Net Zero:
The report calls for increases wind capacity to meet the reported requirement of 120GW electrolysis by 2050
Major utilities exploring Hydrogen Fleets:
Two major utility companies in the UK are exploring the feasibility of using hydrogen to decarbonise their road transport fleets.
BBC report on "Hydrogen Revolution raises public awareness:
Broad ranging article was released on the BBC website in July
Ineos Grenadier 4x4 will be built in Wales and have fuel cell electric option:
The Ineos Grenadier will be built in Wales and will use BMW engines, but fuel-cell electrification is also likely in the future