Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has expressed its approval of the UK Government's commitment of over £500 million towards establishing the UK's inaugural hydrogen transport and storage network. This significant investment, as confirmed in the Spending Review, is hailed as a substantial step towards realizing the UK's aspirations of becoming a leading clean energy hub and supporting industrial regions like Teesside, Merseyside, the Humber, and Scotland. The construction of this hydrogen infrastructure is deemed vital for fostering a nationwide market that links production sites with end users such as power stations and industrial clusters. By enabling the scaling up of both carbon capture-produced hydrogen and electrolysis-produced hydrogen, along with repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure, this network lays the groundwork for a more sustainable energy future. OEUK anticipates that this funding will not only generate long-term employment opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, engineering, and the broader energy supply chain but also contribute to economic revitalization in areas requiring it the most. However, OEUK stresses the necessity for a transparent regulatory framework and viable business models to make hydrogen economically viable and enticing for potential investors in efforts to decarbonize heavy industries effectively. Enrique Cornejo, OEUK's Head of Energy Policy, underlines the pivotal role of hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions across sectors like steel, glass, ceramics, and refining. He emphasizes the importance of cost reduction through early investments to enhance the competitiveness of hydrogen and promote its adoption by industries. Furthermore, Cornejo stresses the significance of establishing a robust hydrogen sector to secure the UK's industrial future, leveraging the expertise and capabilities of the nation's oil and gas supply chain.