UK Government Confirms £500m Hydrogen Infrastructure Investment

The UK Government has announced over £500 million in funding to develop new hydrogen infrastructure, aimed at creating thousands of skilled clean energy jobs in Merseyside, Teesside, and the Humber.

This investment forms part of the broader Plan for Change strategy to position the UK as a clean energy leader and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It will support the UK’s first regional hydrogen transport and storage network, linking producers to industrial users and power stations.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the funding would “deliver jobs and energy security for Britain” while unlocking investment across the country.

The government said hydrogen will play a key role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals, and heavy transport, while also providing long-duration energy storage.

The announcement builds on previous support for low-carbon hydrogen production through the Hydrogen Allocation Rounds, including £2 billion committed to 11 projects in the first round. The sector has already attracted £400 million in private investment, including projects in Milford Haven and High Marnham.

Industry leaders welcomed the announcement. The Spending Review also confirmed further support for new nuclear, fusion, and carbon capture projects, including Acorn and Viking.

Source: UK Government / ReNews