- CEO Clare Jackson calls on government to publish hydrogen strategy refresh as a signal to investors, during keynote speech to industry and policy officials.
12 March 2026, Birmingham UK – Hundreds of leaders from across the UK hydrogen sector gathered at the Hydrogen UK Annual Conference and Awards this week, where industry called on government to publish the long-awaited Hydrogen Strategy refresh to unlock billions of pounds of investment.
Speakers highlighted the significant progress made across the UK hydrogen economy, with projects moving towards construction and early production. However, industry leaders warned that the next phase of deployment will depend on clear policy signals from government.
More than £20bn of private sector investment in UK hydrogen projects and supply chains is ready to be deployed, with investors awaiting confirmation of key policy frameworks.
Opening the keynote session, Hydrogen UK CEO Clare Jackson told delegates that the sector is ready to move forward but needs government to provide certainty.
“We have the projects, we have the business models and we have investors ready to go. But we are in danger of squandering the strong position the UK has built – not because there isn’t demand or investment appetite, but because of continued delay and indecision from government.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks addressed the conference via video, reiterating the government’s commitment to hydrogen as part of the UK’s clean energy transition.
“Hydrogen is a central pillar of the cleaner, more secure energy system we’re building. Our upcoming strategy will sharpen our priorities, deepen collaboration with industry and clarify hydrogen’s role in the UK economy.”
Shanks also pointed to recent progress in the sector, including the final Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 project signing its government contract, the first HAR1 project preparing to begin production, and MorGen Energy reaching Final Investment Decision for a new low-carbon hydrogen production facility in Milford Haven.
Stefanie Murphy, Director of Hydrogen and Industrial Carbon Capture at DESNZ, told the conference that the strategy refresh will confirm hydrogen’s role “not only as a decarbonisation tool for power, industry and storage, but also as a driver of regional investment and long-term economic growth.”
Hydrogen UK has announced the dates for the 2027 Annual Conference and Awards as 16-17 March 2027.
