UK Government Unveils 10 Hydrogen Projects to Drive Industrial Decarbonisation and Economic Growth
Key Ideas
  • Ten hydrogen projects in the UK aim to shift industries towards low-carbon hydrogen, reducing emissions in heavy industries like steel and transport, and creating over 700 jobs.
  • Projects like HyMarnham in Newark and Cromarty Hydrogen Project in Northeast Scotland are already underway, with a focus on transforming old coal-fired power stations into clean energy hubs.
  • The UK government is partnering with major consumer goods companies like Kimberly-Clark to invest in green hydrogen, driving economic growth and fostering British innovation.
  • A total investment of over £400 million from private capital is expected between 2024 and 2026, supporting the transition towards clean, domestically-produced hydrogen and boosting industrial renewal.
The UK government has unveiled a series of 10 hydrogen projects as part of its initiative to support British industry in transitioning away from fossil fuels towards domestically-produced low-carbon hydrogen. These projects are set to significantly reduce emissions in heavy industries such as steel, glass, and heavy transport, emphasizing that decarbonisation is a crucial route to reindustrialisation. One of these projects, the HyMarnham project in Newark, Nottinghamshire, has already commenced construction, focusing on converting the old High Marnham coal-fired power station into a clean energy hub using hydrogen to decarbonise waste disposal operations. The Cromarty Hydrogen Project in Northeast Scotland is another notable initiative among the 10 projects. With three 5MW electrolysers, this project aims to power local industrial users including distilleries, by utilizing electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Collectively, these projects are projected to generate over 700 jobs, offering opportunities for apprentices, graduates, pipefitters, and engineers. Additionally, they are expected to attract more than £400 million of private capital investment, enhancing economic growth and British innovation through the Plan for Change. Furthermore, major consumer goods company Kimberly-Clark has announced a substantial commitment to green hydrogen, making it the first in the UK to do so. Partnering with energy companies like HYRO, Carlton Power, and Schroders Greencoat, Kimberly-Clark will invest £125 million into HAR1 projects at plants in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Northfleet, Kent. Minister for Industry, Sarah Jones, expressed the government's dedication to rolling out hydrogen at scale for the first time, with the aim of powering businesses with clean, homegrown energy across the country. The announcement aligns with the UK government's recent commitment to allocate an additional £500 million for the development of a hydrogen transport and storage network, integral to Britain's industrial renewal. This network will connect hydrogen producers with end-users, like power stations and industries, for the first time. Moreover, plans to consult on transmission-level hydrogen blending demonstrate the government's focus on exploring the feasibility of blending hydrogen into gas networks, ensuring safe transportation into homes and businesses. The HAR1 projects are poised to access substantial support, including over £2 billion in revenue support from the Hydrogen Production Business Model and more than £90 million in capital expenditure support from the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. Each of the 10 projects under HAR1, such as the Whitelee Green Hydrogen project in central Scotland and the Trafford Hydrogen Project in Manchester, aims to contribute to industrial decarbonisation and economic growth in the UK, marking a significant step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for British industries.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.