Today (14 December 2023) marks a huge turning point for our industry and for the UK, as the Government announces the approval of 11 successful projects from the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1).
As well as reiterating the confidence and commitment the Government has in the green energy sector, and its place in the way we will live and work in the future, this is also the largest number of commercial scale green hydrogen production projects announced at once, anywhere in Europe.
This positions the UK as an international leader when it comes to the potential production of hydrogen as a viable energy source, further sharing our collective ambition to achieve Net Zero.
What this means in practice, is that those that have been successful in HAR1, will now gain access to over £2bn of revenue support from the Hydrogen Production Business Model, which will be paid once projects become operational. Furthermore, over £90m has been allocated from the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund to support construction of the projects.
Founder and CEO of Hydrogen Safe, Andy Lord, comments: “This was a massive announcement for our industry. In fact, the most significant to date. The commitment from the UK Government is vital if we are to access the benefits that the green energy sector can bring to business and the wider economy.
“What’s more, it is a ‘green light’ to those of us that support the sector and provide the services, such as training and education, that will better equip employees at all levels to work confidently and safely with hydrogen.
“This is an exciting time for us, and we are looking forward to embracing the many opportunities that come from the announcement made today.”
The successful projects from HAR1 were named as follows:
Following confirmation of the 11 projects that have been offered contracts from HAR1, the Government also recommended that those that were unsuccessful should consider applying for HAR2, once again, reinforcing the long-term commitment to the sector.
For full details from the announcement shared by the Government, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hydrogen-production-business-model-net-zero-hydrogen-fund-shortlisted-projects/hydrogen-production-business-model-net-zero-hydrogen-fund-har1-successful-projects
