‘Mega Consortium’ in the UK to Expand Hydrogen Power
A consortium of leading UK companies has launched Project HySpeed, a campaign aimed at expanding hydrogen power across the nation.
Participants include Arup, Tarmac, JCB, Centrica, Heidelberg, ITM Power, Johnson Matthey, and National Gas.
The initiative seeks to achieve one gigawatt of clean hydrogen energy capacity by 2030, aligning with the UK Government’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower.
Project HySpeed envisions scaling hydrogen production, reducing costs, and enhancing the UK’s leadership in renewable energy.
This could potentially stimulate £6.5 billion in capital investment and create 24,300 jobs nationwide. The consortium has proposed to energy secretary Ed Milliband the establishment of hydrogen production hubs to integrate hydrogen into the gas grid.
Jo Bamford, executive chairman of HydraB Power Group and son of JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford, referred to Project HySpeed as a “compelling answer” to the Government’s call for advancing hydrogen energy.
JCB has already developed hydrogen-powered excavator engines that lower carbon emissions while maintaining prolonged heavy machinery performance.
The project coincides with the Government’s hydrogen allocation round 2 (HAR2) funding announcement, which shortlisted 27 UK electrolytic projects aimed at fostering a robust low-carbon hydrogen economy.
HAR2 supports the Government’s 2023 Hydrogen Production Delivery Roadmap, targeting 10 gigawatts of low-carbon hydrogen energy production by 2030.
Additionally, the British Geological Survey (BGS) has highlighted underground hydrogen storage as a critical component for stabilising the UK’s renewable energy system and achieving net zero emissions goals.
Dr. Tim Armitage’s briefing, “Underground hydrogen storage: insights and actions to support the energy transition,” identifies underground storage as an emerging and vital technology for energy transition. Despite its potential, the UK faces knowledge gaps regarding large-scale implementation.
Dr. Armitage calls for increased research investment and clearer regulations to support underground hydrogen storage integration within the UK energy strategy.
He emphasised the need for scalable storage solutions, including lined rock caverns, salt caverns, and depleted hydrocarbon fields, to ensure energy system stability and reliability.
To meet climate targets, the briefing advocates for detailed planning, supportive regulations, and expanded research and development efforts, ensuring that storage technology aligns with hydrogen rollout timelines.
