- The UK government has selected 27 hydrogen projects for its HAR2 funding round, which aims to support low-carbon hydrogen production and cut industrial emissions.
- The projects could attract over £1 billion in private investment by 2029 and create over 700 jobs in key industrial regions.
- The initiatives focus on energy-intensive sectors, including ammonia production, glass manufacturing, and clean power generation, contributing to the UK’s clean energy goals.
The UK government has selected 27 hydrogen projects under its second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2). The announcement on April 7 aims to support low-carbon hydrogen production across the country. These projects form part of the UK’s Plan for Change, which seeks to rejuvenate industrial regions and cut emissions in key sectors.
The new projects add to 11 previously funded initiatives, including Scotland’s Whitelee Green Hydrogen project. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero expects the selected projects to attract over £1 billion (around $1.26 billion) in private investment by 2029. So far, £400 million has flowed into the projects, creating more than 700 jobs in Milford Haven and High Marnham.
The projects focus on energy-intensive industries like ammonia, brick manufacturing, glass production, and clean power generation. Sustainable aviation fuel production also plays a significant role. The government has pushed for a large-scale industrial decarbonisation strategy powered by hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity.
Among the projects selected in the first funding round, the Bradford Low Carbon Project will develop a 10.6 MW alkaline electrolyser to supply hydrogen for heavy-duty mobility equipment. In Scotland, the Cromarty Hydrogen Project, led by Scottish Power and Storegga, will use electricity from nearby wind farms to power an 11 MW electrolyser for local industries.
The HAR2 programme highlights the UK government’s commitment to revitalising industrial centres. It provides opportunities for apprentices, engineers, welders, and maintenance operators and focuses on developing energy hubs and local supply chains across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones highlighted that HAR2 represents the first commercial-scale deployment of hydrogen in the UK. The projects will support economic growth and help the UK meet its clean energy targets. The government aims to decarbonise critical industries by promoting hydrogen and secure a green energy future.
This latest round of funding shows the UK’s ongoing commitment to hydrogen technology. It marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to reduce industrial carbon emissions. The projects selected under HAR2 are crucial to the government’s long-term energy strategy. They will help the UK maintain its position as a leader in the clean energy transition.
The selection of these projects reflects the growing importance of hydrogen in the global energy landscape. As the UK pushes forward with its decarbonisation agenda, hydrogen is a key enabler of clean energy solutions. The government’s focus on renewable electricity to produce hydrogen aligns with broader goals of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Overall, HAR2 shapes the UK’s energy future. By supporting these hydrogen projects, the government invests in sustainable technologies that will power industries and create jobs. With private sector investment expected to follow, these initiatives will drive the development of a low-carbon economy and help the UK achieve its ambitious climate targets.