New hydrogen production projects revealed

 Responding to today’s government announcement on 11 hydrogen production projects, Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said:

“We’re pleased to see the government backing green hydrogen projects. Made from electricity and water, green hydrogen is essential for decarbonising industry and fuelling a green economy.

“However, it’s disappointing to see these plans include blue hydrogen, which is made from fossil fuels from factories fitted with carbon capture and storage, to provide 40% of hydrogen projects as part of the mix by 2030. This will only keep the UK hooked on fossil fuels when we should be transitioning to clean energy.

“Campaigners will also welcome plans to scrap an unpopular hydrogen trial for home-heating in Redcar, Yorkshire. Heat pumps are a far more efficient and less expensive way to decarbonise heating our homes.

“Friends of the Earth is calling for the roll-out of heat pumps to be sped up, including through support to ensure fitting a heat pump is no more expensive than replacing a gas boiler.”

ENDS