In the quest for a sustainable future, the UK is embracing a multi-faceted strategy for hydrogen production. Our approach ensures diversity in supply, resilience in our energy systems, and alignment with our net-zero ambitions.
Electrolytic or green hydrogen is generated through the process of electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro. The UK with its abundant offshore wind resources, is ideally placed to scale up electrolytic hydrogen production. As we invest in expanding our renewable energy capacity, green hydrogen will play an increasingly vital role in our energy mix, offering a truly zero-emission solution.
CCUS-enabled or blue hydrogen can deliver rapid large scale decarbonisation and can support the roll out of infrastructure that will provide the foundations of the future hydrogen energy system. Produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR), blue hydrogen captures and stores the resultant carbon emissions using carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies. The UK’s expertise in the North Sea oil and gas industry, coupled with its emerging CCUS infrastructure, positions us to be a leader in blue hydrogen production.
Hydrogen can also be produced using a number of other sources such as nuclear (pink), specifically from solar (yellow), and pyrolysis through the decomposition of methane (turquoise). It has also been found naturally as trapped gas pockets underground (gold hydrogen) in areas such as France, Mali, Spain and Australia.
The UK is at the forefront of developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies for efficient and sustainable hydrogen production. From advanced electrolysers to pioneering methods of methane pyrolysis, our commitment to innovation is unlocking new pathways for hydrogen generation. Our research institutions and industry partners are actively working to reduce costs, enhance efficiencies, and scale up technologies for commercial viability.
Strategically located hydrogen clusters are the cornerstone of the UK’s production strategy. These hubs concentrate production, demand, and infrastructure in localised areas, fostering innovation and economies of scale. Initiatives like the East Coast Cluster and HyNet North West are already demonstrating the potential of these hydrogen clusters to revolutionise industrial processes and energy use.
As the UK progresses, we envision a robust network of electrolytic and CCUS-enabled production facilities. Our approach balances immediate carbon reduction with long-term sustainability goals, ensuring a steady transition away from fossil fuels. By leveraging our natural resources, industrial expertise, and commitment to innovation, the UK is poised to not only meet its own hydrogen demands but also to become an international supplier of hydrogen.
