Lack of hydrogen strategy is holding Britain back from capitalising on delivering net-zero, says the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC).
Last month, the EAC held an evidence session on hydrogen as part of their inquiry into technological innovation and climate change.
Based on this evidence, Philipp Dunne, MP and chairman of the committee has written to Business Secretary Alok Sharma, stating that although the UK has the expertise to scale up low-carbon hydrogen, it lags behind other nations such as Australia, Canada and Japan who have all launched ambitious strategies.
The government has identified that hydrogen is the most cost-effective option for decarbonising several parts of the UK energy system, however in terms of technology and understanding the UK risks missing an opportunity.
According to the EAC, a clear and ambitious hydrogen strategy could play a key role in supporting cost-effective decarbonisation of transport sectors such as aviation and shipping while also supporting jobs and local economies.
Currently, 95% of global hydrogen is derived from fossil fuel feedstocks, the EAC has said that if we continue in this way, a hydrogen strategy must be integrated with high levels of carbon capture, but also there is significant potential to decarbonise hydrogen.
Philip Dunne, said: ‘We must end our reliance on dirty fuels and hydrogen could be the key to realising our low-carbon potential.
‘The UK’s strengths in innovation, technology and skills can be utilised to champion hydrogen as a major player in our energy mix – but the Government must pave the way.
‘The Committee heard time and again during evidence that the UK’s lack of a Hydrogen Strategy by Government is holding back efforts to make scaling up hydrogen production a reality.
‘The upcoming National Infrastructure Strategy due in the Autumn could be an excellent opportunity for the Government to bring forward a Hydrogen Strategy to underpin its commitment to a Net Zero Britain.’
The Committee has requested a response by 2 September.
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