Latest News on the UK Hydrogen Economy - 16/02/23

Ames Goldsmith Ceimig, as a manufacturer of catalysts such as Iridium Oxide, Iridium Ruthenium Oxide, Iridium Black, Platinum Black & Platinum on Carbon support, 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.

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:

UK targets national hydrogen network by 2036 - Weblink

A complete UK national hydrogen network could be ready by 2036, according to a new Hydrogen UK report.

The report presents a timeline for development, starting with small clusters (2026-2031), initial backbone (2031-2036) and hydrogen scenario (2036-2041).

Pipelines will be key elements in the first two phases, developed within and around industrial clusters, and connecting them. Examples include the Regional Hydrogen Energy Hubs in the Scottish Hydrogen Action Plan and HyNet North West low-carbon cluster, where pipeline construction is due to start in 2025.

In the second phase, National Grid’s Project Union will deliver a hydrogen transmission system through a phased repurposing and new build of transmission pipelines.

CXC report on green H2 from curtailed wind in Scotland - Weblink

ClimateXChange (CXC) have released a report on The potential for hydrogen to reduce curtailment of renewable energy in Scotland. This report by Dr Graeme Hawker at the University of Strathclyde looks at whether curtailed energy from large-scale renewables in Scotland could be used to produce hydrogen economically. To prevent zero-carbon renewable energy going unused, curtailed energy could be an attractive source of electricity. This can reduce the overall cost of hydrogen production, through installing electrolyser units, which can utilise this power that would otherwise be curtailed. The hydrogen produced can then be used for a variety of applications, including industry, heat and transport.

BEIS research study on H2-ready industrial boilers - Weblink

The UK Government recently released a study to develop cost and stock assumptions for options to enable or require hydrogen-ready industrial boilers. This study by SHFCA members Arup and Kiwa aims to help the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) determine whether the government should intervene to enable or require hydrogen-ready industrial boiler equipment in the UK.

JRC report on GHG emissions from a H2 economy - Weblink

The European Commission’s joint research centre (JRC) has released a report on Hydrogen emissions from a hydrogen economy and their potential global warming impact. This report summarises the findings and recommendations from a 2-day expert workshop organised by the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and US Department of Energy with the support of Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research, as well as the European Commission, the Hydrogen Council, and the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy.

Hydrogen is expected to be a key instrument to meet climate neutrality targets by 2050. Renewable hydrogen deployment is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by displacing carbon-intensive sources of energy. On average, the Hydrogen Council (2017) estimated that the production of each kilogram of renewable hydrogen would allow the saving of 10.9 kg of CO2 equivalents (CO2e). A hydrogen economy could abate some 80 Gt of CO2e by mid-century and some 730 Mt of CO2e by 2030 (Hydrogen Council and McKinsey & Company, 2021).

National Grid goes carbon-free with H2-powered substation trial - Weblink

National Grid has completed a ten-week trial to test a H2-powered generator at its Deeside Center for Innovation (DCI), a state-of-the-art testing facility hosting a 400-kV modified substation, designed as a unique environment for development and trial of innovative technologies and practices.

A GeoPura 250kW H2 power unit (HPU) contained within a transportable shipping container measuring 7.2 m by 2.5 m was installed at DCI and produced the energy to power low-voltage equipment needed for National Grid’s innovation testing projects and site operations. The trial tested the capabilities and feasibility of HPUs as direct replacements for backup diesel generators across more than 250 National Grid substation sites, the data will now be analyzed and shared later this year.

Hydrogen-fuelled trials at the Port of Immingham, UK - Weblink

The Port of Immingham in the UK has played host to a hydrogen-fuelled tractor trial in its container terminal.

Associated British Ports (ABP) on Wednesday (January 4) said it was the ‘first’ UK port operator to trial such a vehicle, which it hopes will mark an important step in the decarbonisation of UK ports.

The hydrogen-powered terminal tractor provided by Netherlands-based Terberg, also saw trials at the United Waalhaven Terminals in the Port of Rotterdam in October 2020.

Tata Chemicals Europe signs low-carbon hydrogen offtake agreement to clean up UK operations - Weblink

Tata Chemicals Europe is set to receive low-carbon hydrogen to decarbonise its UK operations under a new offtake agreement.

Signed with Essar and Progressive Energy joint venture, Vertex Hydrogen, the Heads of Terms (HoTs) offtake agreement will see Tata receive over 200MW of low-carbon hydrogen.

As a producer of sodium carbonate, salt, sodium bicarbonate, and other produced used in industries such as food, glass, detergents, and chemicals, the agreement comes as another firm step in the company’s race to achieving Net Zero by 2030.

Element 2, Tower Group partner to bring hydrogen refuelling to South West of UK - Weblink

UK hydrogen refuelling company Element 2 has today (January 4) announced it has established a partnership with developer Tower Group to bring hydrogen refuelling for road transport to the South West of the UK.

Under the partnership, Element 2 will supply its mobile refuelling solutions in Devon and Cornwall, counties where Tower Group is planning to establish three hydrogen hubs as part of plans to form a new hydrogen ecosystem in the South West.

In addition to the mobile refuelling solutions, Element 2 plans to build permanent stations to provide hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a network of refuelling stations along key routes in Devon and Cornwall.

ZeroAvia receives UK Civil Aviation Authority permit for hydrogen powertrain - Weblink

ZeroAvia’s Dornier 228 Aircraft, retrofitted with its prototype hydrogen-electric powertrain has been granted a permit to fly by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The Part 21 permit will allow the first test flight of the 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain following a successful ground testing campaign and review of the full development programme.

Fitted with an engineering testbed configuration to incorporate ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engine powering the propellor on its left wing, operating alongside a single Honeywell TPE-331 stock engine on the right, the 19-seat aircraft is set to take to the UK’s skies.

JCB’s hydrogen ICE-powered digger to take to UK roads and building sites - Weblink

The UK Government has given special dispensation that will allow JCB to test and use its hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) powered digger on UK roads.

Under a vehicle special order, given by the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, the backhoe loader, powered by a hydrogen ICE will soon be on UK roads and building sites as the UK looks to decarbonise its hard-to-abate sectors.

Said to be the ‘world’s first’ hydrogen digger, the JCB manufactured vehicle received its unveiling during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June (2022).

UK Government outlines plans for low-carbon hydrogen certification scheme - Weblink

The UK Government has today (February 9) outlined plans for a new globally recognised low-carbon hydrogen certification scheme.

Intended to be introduced by 2025, the certification scheme is hoped to demonstrate the emissions credentials of hydrogen, promoting cross-border trade whilst stimulating growth and jobs in green hydrogen.

Having now opened for consultation with industry, the Government say the scheme will help the UK energy market to verify sustainability claims and deliver industry and consumer confidence in low-carbon hydrogen.

SGN H100 Fife construction contract awarded to Altrad Babcock - Weblink

SHFCA member SGN has appointed Altrad Babcock as main works contractor for their world-first H100 Fife green hydrogen project. Altrad Babcock will build the hydrogen production and storage site for the project, supplying green hydrogen to homes in Levenmouth in Fife. The awarding of the contract represents a key milestone for the project which will demonstrate how clean hydrogen can be used for cooking and heating in homes. The H100 Fife hydrogen network will be going live in 2024 and the project will be operational until March 2027.