Parliament convened to address the UK’s hydrogen future, launching “On Hydrogen.” University of Manchester experts presented research, prompting discussions on low-carbon production, storage, and policy, aiming to shape a robust hydrogen economy
The crucial new publication, ‘On Hydrogen’, addressing the complexities and challenges of the UK’s burgeoning hydrogen economy, was launched today in the House of Lords. The event, convened parliamentarians, industry leaders, and leading academics to dissect the critical issues surrounding the future of low-carbon hydrogen in the UK.
The 21-page publication, featuring seven research-based articles from University of Manchester experts, aims to provide actionable recommendations to inform policymaking in this vital area. Baroness Brown of Cambridge, former Chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, who also penned the publication’s foreword, welcomed attendees and chaired a series of roundtable discussions.
Deciphering the hydrogen landscape: Roundtable discussions
The roundtable sessions delved into the intricacies of hydrogen production, storage, and integration into the UK’s energy system. Key topics included the true environmental footprint of hydrogen, the viability of underground storage, the adequacy of current low-carbon hydrogen standards, and the optimal integration of hydrogen-electricity solutions.
Specifically, experts debated:
- The green credentials of hydrogen:
- Exploring sustainable production methods and the true environmental impact of various hydrogen sources.
- The role of underground storage:
- Assessing the feasibility and necessity of large-scale underground hydrogen storage for a reliable supply.
- Standards and prioritisation:
- Examining the adequacy of current low-carbon hydrogen standards and determining priority sectors for hydrogen deployment.
- Hydrogen-electricity integration:
- Discussing policy support for seamless integration of hydrogen and electricity within the broader energy system.
A call for clarity and action: Baroness Brown
Baroness Brown emphasised the need for a pragmatic approach to hydrogen, cautioning against the “silver bullet” narrative that has dominated discussions. “’On Hydrogen’ comprises a series of informed insights into the most pressing challenges and opportunities to be gained from a future in which we take low carbon hydrogen seriously,” she stated.
She further warned, “There is a real risk that the bubble will burst and shatter the faith industry, governments and investors have built up.” She expressed confidence that the publication would contribute significantly to the policymaking process.
Academic insights and industry engagement
Dr. Amanda Lea-Langton, a Senior Lecturer in Bioenergy Engineering and lead for Environmental Energy at the Manchester Environmental Research Institute (MERI), and a contributor to ‘On Hydrogen’, highlighted the importance of translating hydrogen’s potential into practical plans. “Industry and policymakers have extolled the potential of hydrogen to decarbonise the most challenging sectors of our economy, but there needs to be a practical plan in place to achieve to reach that potential,” she said.
Dr. Lea-Langton was joined by her University of Manchester colleagues Dr. Will Bodel, Professor Kevin Taylor, Dr. Christopher Jones, and Professor Aoife Foley, who each contributed their expertise to the publication. Key research findings and expert contributions:
The publication features insights from leading researchers, including:
- Dr. Amanda Lea-Langton
- Exploring the true “greenness” of hydrogen.
- Dr. Will Bodel
- Examining the potential of advanced nuclear energy in low-carbon hydrogen production.
- Professor Kevin Taylor
- Discussing the vital role of underground hydrogen storage.
- Dr. Christopher Jones
- Assessing the adequacy of current hydrogen standards.
- Professor Aoife Foley
- Discussing hydrogen as a key to clean energy.
Professor Aoife Foley, Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure, stated, “The University of Manchester is proud to be playing our full part in this with the publication of ‘On Hydrogen’ offering an insight into the ongoing research we are engaged in.”
