NWHA manifesto calls for world-leading hydrogen economy in North West England

The North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has published its manifesto for delivering a world-leading hydrogen economy in the North West of England.
The document sets out a number of recommendations that the NWHA believes are essential for the UK to capitalise on the hydrogen opportunity – which it is estimated will create 100,000 jobs and £13 billion (€15.2 billion) of GVA in the UK by 2050.
It calls for the government to accelerate its hydrogen ambitions including setting a new national target of 20 GW of hydrogen by 2035, with the North West able to deliver up to 6GW with the right support from government.
It also wants to see the acceleration of projects in the carbon capture and usage (CCUS) clusters to enable the UK to hit production targets, as well as the acceleration of hydrogen transport and storage business models and provide interim measures to unlock early infrastructure.
The NWHA also called for the delivery of a national supply chain and skills strategy, which reflects the strengths and needs of different regions, and which can support the reskilling and training a net zero future will require.
A review of planning processes for hydrogen to provide direction and a framework for new hydrogen infrastructure is also being called for, as well as a national public engagement programme around net zero to prepare consumers and foster public awareness and acceptability.
The organisation further wants to see the creation of an enabling regulatory environment to unlock investment in electricity infrastructure to support the growth of green hydrogen production.
The North West will be the first to develop a decarbonised, hydrogen-inclusive energy market and is one of the first two decarbonised energy clusters given government backing, according to the NWHA.
It said the region is home to over 4GW of production capacity currently being developed – with projects including the world-leading hydrogen and carbon capture project HyNet, Trafford Green Hydrogen and First Hydrogen production plans in Liverpool and Manchester.
It is estimated that the North West could deliver 6 GW by 2035, but only if the region moves quickly and with the right support from government, added the organisation.
Helen Boyle, head of regional development (North West and Midlands) at Cadent on behalf of the NWHA said: “This manifesto sets out what’s required to deliver a world leading hydrogen economy. This is a once in a generation opportunity but the UK must move further and faster. Demand for hydrogen in the North West is extremely strong, with industry standing ready to invest in a greener future. Our manifesto sets out how working together we can unlock this low carbon energy opportunity and secure and create jobs for the region and beyond.”