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Latest News on the UK Hydrogen Economy - 15/09/20


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:

Hydrogen Taskforce reports on H2 UK Economic Impact by 2035:

The Hydrogen Taskforce released its report on the potential UK economic impact from deployment of Hydrogen by 2035. The Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) estimates the huge employment and economic benefits that hydrogen presents to the UK.

This report identifies significant potential for hydrogen to play an important role in the UK’s Green Recovery. The UK has a greater installed capacity of offshore wind than any other country in the world, with costs of new offshore wind falling by 50 per cent since 2015. There is significant potential for the value created by the roll-out of green hydrogen production to be realised across the UK, with the number of jobs associated with production of green hydrogen being particularly significant.

Hydrogen set to play a key role in Humber Cluster Plan:

Hydrogen is set to play a key role in the decarbonisation of the Humber through the Humber Cluster Plan, a study which will illustrate how the region can achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, potentially making it the first industrial cluster globally to do so.

Chesterfield Special Cylinders signs framework agreement with Shell:

UK-based high pressure gas containment specialist Chesterfield Special Cylinders (CSC) has signed a five-year Framework Agreement with Shell Hydrogen to supply hydrogen storage cylinders for use at refuelling stations across Europe.

Scottish Government announces their Protecting Scotland, Renewing Scotland 2020-21 Programme:

On 01/09/20 the Scottish Government announced their Protecting Scotland, Renewing Scotland 2020-21 Programme for Government.

This includes the following statement on their Hydrogen policy: Hydrogen policy

We know that Scotland will require a diverse and balanced energy mix to meet our emissions targets. In order for the energy transition to be successful, security of supply, affordability and access to viable alternative options need to be combined with innovative and smart emissions reduction action. Against this backdrop, it is clear that hydrogen will play a key role in enhancing, supporting and completing the energy transition across a range of sectors, aiding economic recovery through production for the domestic market and export, and generating jobs.

Scotland has a strong track record of supporting Hydrogen innovation and we are committed to continuing this. We will provide £6.9 million of funding for SGN’s H100 project in Fife which will be a world‑first programme using green hydrogen to heat around 300 local homes and create an estimated 100 jobs in its first phase.

To take a more strategic approach to hydrogen to capitalise on the success and innovation so far we will produce a Hydrogen Policy Statement and Hydrogen Action Plan to support the expected growth of the hydrogen economy in Scotland and prepare for the role that hydrogen may play in achieving net‑zero targets. This will be done before the end of 2020, as a companion to the Climate Change Plan Update.

2020s will be ‘decade of hydrogen’:

Interesting editorial on the predicted growth of the hydrogen economy over the decade

Aurora report on H2 in North-West Europe:

Aurora Energy have just released a report on Hydrogen in the Northwest European energy system. This new independent report by Aurora assesses the role of hydrogen in the energy systems of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

ULEMCo to Deliver Hydrogen Fuelled Gritters for Glasgow:

SHFCA & UKHFCA member ULEMCo has today announced they will be delivering 20 Hydrogen Fuelled Gritters to Glasgow City Council. This will be the largest single deployment of hydrogen dual fuel vehicles yet seen, and follows an order secured with Scottish company James A Cuthbertson Ltd to transform Glasgow City Council’s existing fleet.

Hydrogen-powered double decker trial takes place in Crawley:

WORLD-FIRST trials of a double-decker bus powered by hydrogen have taken place.

Wrightbus trialed its double decker prototype in Crawley on Wednesday 26th August in a major step forward in efforts to tackle climate change.

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