Unleashing Hydrogen's Potential in the UK's Net Zero Journey
Key Ideas
- Low-carbon hydrogen is seen as a complement to electrification in the UK's transition to net zero, providing an alternative energy source to areas with limited options.
- Centrica and FTI Consulting collaborated on a novel approach to analyze energy systems, incorporating detailed electricity, gas, and hydrogen market models.
- Hydrogen's value lies in its ability to balance the electricity sector by being produced during surplus wind periods and converted back to electricity during low wind periods.
- The study emphasizes the need for sufficient hydrogen transport and storage capacity to ensure a well-functioning hydrogen market in the UK.
The article discusses the role of hydrogen in the UK's journey towards achieving net zero emissions. While the precise role of hydrogen in this transition is uncertain, it is believed that low-carbon hydrogen can complement electrification efforts by providing an energy source where other alternatives are limited. Centrica and FTI Consulting have collaborated on an innovative approach to analyze the energy system, focusing on integrating electricity, gas, and hydrogen market models. The study highlights the importance of hydrogen in balancing the electricity sector, especially by utilizing surplus wind energy to produce hydrogen that can be converted back to electricity during periods of low wind. To enable hydrogen to play this crucial role, adequate transport and storage infrastructure will be essential. The report emphasizes the significance of policy priorities to ensure the development of a functional hydrogen market in the UK.