Call for evidence on the economic recovery benefits of hydrogen

THE UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen has called for submissions to inform an inquiry it has launched to understand how hydrogen could support recovery of the UK economy, which has been seriously impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

According to the group, hydrogen could help to rebuild a green economy, supporting the country’s net zero ambitions as it emerges from the crisis and creating highly skilled jobs.

Its call is for evidence that helps to identify the steps needed to ensure that hydrogen contributes to a greener future.

Potential subjects of focus include hydrogen’s existing and potential roles in different sectors, such as heat and transport; the need for both “blue” and “green” hydrogen; the gas’s potential to support and create growth, employment, and upskilling opportunities in the UK; the role hydrogen can play in helping the UK meet net zero targets; and the steps the UK should take to ensure it becomes a world leader in hydrogen technology. Blue hydrogen is produced from fossil resources with use of carbon capture and storage, whilst green hydrogen production employs renewable energy sources.

In addition, the parliamentary group has requested case studies, statistics, and practical examples of research or studies on the benefits of hydrogen for jobs, skills, the economy, and how it will contribute to achieving net-zero.

Submissions should be a maximum of two pages and sent to the appghydrogen@connectpa.co.uk. The deadline is 12 June at 17:00 BST.

Jacob Young, Chair of APPG on Hydrogen, said: “It’s crucial we understand how low-carbon, emerging sectors like hydrogen energy can develop the economy as we emerge from this crisis.

“We are keen to hear from leading businesses, trade associations, energy providers, charities, regulators, local government representatives and many more, to understand what needs to be done to ensure that hydrogen plays its part in supporting the economy and getting the UK back on its feet.”

APPG on Hydrogen provides a forum for Members of Parliament and Peers to engage with businesses and organisations that are working to implement hydrogen projects to enable the UK to meet its decarbonisation targets, and facilitates discussion of policy to support efforts.