The UK has doubled its hydrogen targets under its new energy plan, now aiming for 10GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030 with at least half coming from green hydrogen.

The plan focuses on offshore wind growth to reduce the production costs of green hydrogen.

“This will reduce our dependence on power sources exposed to volatile international prices we cannot control, so we can enjoy greater energy self-sufficiency with cheaper bills,” says Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The strategy comes amid rising global energy prices, which have grown higher and more volatile since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The government says it will generate 12,000 jobs in the UK hydrogen industry by 2030–3,000 more than previously expected.

The previous strategy—launched in August—foresaw 5GW of blue and green hydrogen production. The government is currently consulting on the best mechanism to support the sector, with Contracts for Difference (CfDs) widely expected to be favoured.

Industry involvement

The strategy was developed in conjunction with industry leaders over the last few weeks.

“We are thrilled that the government has doubled down on hydrogen by increasing the production target to 10GW, recognising that hydrogen is a key part of the net-zero transition,” says Clare Jackson, CEO of industry association Hydrogen UK.  

“This new goal will allow industry to unleash investment, bring down costs and widen the use-case for hydrogen, exploring its potential in transport, heavy industry and to heat homes.”

12,000 - Number of hydrogen jobs strategy aims to create

But some in the industry still say more could be done.

“Currently EU targets tower over UK targets with an 80GW target by 2030, producing 20mn t/yr renewable hydrogen. That’s a game changer,” says Marcus Newborough, development director at electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power.

“It seems to have taken the UK government a very long time to make this decision and while we all welcome it, it’s no manna from heaven.”

The UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (HFCA) calls for more policy support to help the UK deploy 80GW of blue hydrogen and 80GW of green hydrogen by 2050.

“Our aim is to accelerate the commercialisation of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies and make the UK the best place for hydrogen and fuel cells across all applications and opportunities,” says HFCA CEO Celia Greaves.

“Every step in the right direction is worthy of celebration—we just need to be running rather than walking.”

Wider strategy

The strategy will see a significant acceleration of nuclear capacity, with an ambition of up to 24GW by 2050 and a new offshore wind target of 50GW by 2030, of which it hopes 5GW will be from floating offshore wind.

And the government will look to increase the UK’s current 14GW of solar capacity by up to five times by 2035.

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Author: Tom Young