UK Government seeks industry input on hydrogen power projects ahead of 2030 targets

The UK Government has launched a call for evidence on hydrogen-to-power (H2P) projects that can be delivered by 2030, ahead of large-scale enabling infrastructure.

The government wants to understand the type of H2P plants that could be delivered rapidly, including the scope of planned projects, timescales, costs and barriers.

Stakeholders with existing plans for the development of H2P projects before large-scale hydrogen infrastructure is available have been encouraged to submit proposals before May 12, 2025.

Specifically, projects that could generate electricity from 100% hydrogen by 2030, first-of-a-kind, standalone or semi-standalone initiatives not reliant on large-scale infrastructure are desired by the government.

Therefore, the government can understand risks, benefits, technical configurations and the value of early deployment. It also wants to learn about technology risks, supply chain constraints and external non-financial barriers, and what role the government should play beyond current policies.

While hydrogen is set to play a central role in the UK’s energy transition – with a 2030 target of 10GW capacity – progress has been hampered by high production costs, uncertain demand, and limited infrastructure.

Earlier this year, Osborne Clarke warned that without decisive action in targeted government policies, strategic incentives and the creation of a national hydrogen network, progress in the UK’s hydrogen industry could stall.

Furthermore, a new report from Westwood Global Energy has estimated a potential delivery range of just 1%-24% of the UK’s hydrogen project pipeline by 2030. The global analyst underlined sizeable policy, funding and mandate shortfalls in the UK and Europe.