Experts challenge UK policymakers over serious hydrogen challenges
A new publication which provides expert analysis, evidence and policy recommendations from The University of Manchester to tackle the UK’s key hydrogen policy challenges has just been released.
On Hydrogen - from the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - features seven articles from academics including research-led advice on areas such as the production of hydrogen, storage of hydrogen, decarbonisation of industry and transport, and the future role of hydrogen interconnectors.
The 21-page document begins with an authoritative foreword from Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, who warns that “the hydrogen bubble has burst.”
She writes: “In the last 10 years, hydrogen has been hyped as the silver bullet that can decarbonise almost everything: heating, cars, trains, buses, planes, shipping, industry, electricity generation: all transformed by use of the magic molecule. The trouble with bubbles is that once they have burst, it takes time for industry, governments and investors to regain confidence and take the subjects seriously again.”
Despite this, she warns that hydrogen must be taken seriously with a series of pressing industry tasks – such as the decarbonisation of steel making and the production of sustainable synthetic fuels – dependent on the use of green hydrogen.
Baroness Brown acknowledges that numerous challenges lie ahead in developing a low carbon hydrogen industry. But she adds: “Until both potential users and potential producers are convinced that there will be a market for hydrogen at an affordable price, everyone is waiting for someone else to take the first step.”
In her piece, the crossbench peer - who also serves as Chair of the Carbon Trust, and the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee – argues that “low carbon hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, can be a green growth opportunity for the UK.”
She writes: “We have many of the ingredients to make it work – ambitious net zero commitments and policies; an excellent wind resource and a fast-growing renewables industry, especially for offshore wind; geology such as salt caverns, suitable for storing hydrogen; expertise in electrochemistry in our universities; some serious oil industry players who need an alternative to fossil fuels; innovative fuel cell and electrolyser companies.”
She continues: “The UK Government can take some bold steps to ensure we grow this industry in the UK – it could start by committing to a no regrets investment in a strategic reserve of hydrogen to support our electricity system.”
Praising the quality of academic thought laid out in On Hydrogen, Baroness Brown adds: “This report provides a range of valuable insights into some of the challenges and opportunities to be gained from a future in which we take low carbon hydrogen seriously.”
One of the contributors is Professor Maria Sharmina, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, who has co-authored a piece with Dr Vincenzo Spallina which addresses the question, “Can hydrogen help decarbonise small industrial emitters?”
Commenting on the release of the publication, Professor Sharmina said:
“The UK currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for transport, industry and power production. This must change if the new Government’s net zero ambitions are to be realised.
“On Hydrogen is a collection of evidence-based recommendations and ideas from academics and researchers at The University of Manchester which can advance the future of hydrogen in the UK energy sector.
“I encourage hydrogen policymakers to read the documentand engage with us to chart a course that meets their objectives and would benefit the UK in the long-term”
On Hydrogen is now available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.