• Industries, including ammonia production and power generation, will use the hydrogen.
• Hydrogen will allow the country to store and supply power when wind and solar sources are unavailable.

As part of the next stage of its Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2), the UK government has shortlisted 27 green hydrogen projects to decarbonise numerous industries.

The objective is part of the nation's strategy to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth sustainably. Through this project, the government will expand the use of green hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels in various sectors.

The hydrogen industry in the country is expected to surge to over £1 billion in private investment by 2029, which will strengthen its role as a top clean energy producer in Europe. £400 million in private investment has brought so far that will benefit regions like Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire. Consequently, 700 new jobs were created in construction and operations, and more jobs will follow as the industry grows.

READ MORE: Wind Generates 30% of UK Power in 2024: NESO

The projects shortlisted will use hydrogen in ammonia production, glass manufacturing, brick making, clean power generation, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. These industries are traditionally carbon-intensive and heavily reliant on fossil fuels, and switching to hydrogen will help them cut emissions and accelerate the UK's net zero transition.

The shortlisted projects include the Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder, which will bring hydrogen production, storage, and power generation at a single site in East Yorkshire. It is also poised to become the UK's first 100% hydrogen-fired power station by 2030.

Another one is the Selms Muir Hydrogen Hub in Scotland, combining solar power and hydrogen production to produce renewable energy.

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Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “We are deploying hydrogen at a commercial scale for the first time – not just investing in a technology – but investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.

“From distilleries and sustainable aviation fuel to public transport and clean energy generation, hydrogen can power our everyday life and unlock clean energy growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.”

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Source: Renews