The transport and storage of H₂ in the UK – to support the wider role of H₂ for net zero – is set to be explored in depth by a new working group of experts in the sector.

The think tank, the H₂ Transport and Storage Working Group, has been set up by the UK H₂ and Fuel Cell Association (UK HFCA) to assess opportunities in how H₂ transport and storage in the UK should develop.

The group will focus on which new policies are needed for H₂ transport and distribution, explain how these will accelerate deployment in the UK, as well as producing a timeline for the roll-out of storage and distribution to align with energy security ambitions, overall net zero targets and wider developments.

The work aims to contribute significantly to the UK target of net zero on carbon emissions by 2050.

Celia Greaves, CEO of the UK HFCA said, “Against the backdrop of global energy uncertainty, any steps that we can make to improve energy resilience will be invaluable. The ability to store energy for future use as hydrogen has a crucial role here.

“We have work going on to scale up production and a number of different activities focused on scaling up demand and we need to connect that together – so this is the next step.”

The H₂ Transport and Storage Working group is made up of more than 25 UK HFCA members, including representatives from BP, British Solar Renewables, Logan Energy and Luxfer.

One of their first tasks will be to focus on and respond to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy current consultation, on hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.

This consultation is considering business model designs, regulatory arrangements, strategic planning and the role of blending.

“We are pleased to see government has put out this consultation. As well as playing a critical role in delivering energy resilience, hydrogen is also absolutely crucial to the UK’s journey to net zero, and its transport and storage is the missing piece of the jigsaw,” said Celia.

Alastair Rennie, who chaired the first meeting of the group said, “It was great to see the diversity of members, small to large, producers to users to essential products and services, local and international, all engaging quickly and building some consensus about connected energy storage and enabling distribution across the UK.

“Our response to the Government will include recommendations on how hydrogen transportation and storage can be optimized across the UK so that we can connect production and use efficiently and effectively.”