UK's Hydrogen Economy Accelerates: First Contracts Signed Under HAR1
Key Ideas
- The Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) has signed the first three contracts under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1), advancing the UK's hydrogen economy.
- These contracts aim to accelerate clean hydrogen production, reduce emissions, and create regional jobs and investment opportunities, marking a pivotal moment for decarbonization.
- The Hydrogen Production Business Model offers long-term revenue support for hydrogen producers, positioning the UK as a global leader in low-carbon innovation and decarbonization efforts.
- The initiative solidifies Great Britain’s position as a key player in clean hydrogen technology and reinforces its commitment to Net Zero ambitions, contributing significantly to the UK's decarbonization journey.
The Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) has recently signed the first three contracts under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1), a significant step forward for the UK's hydrogen economy. These contracts, part of the Hydrogen Production Business Model, are designed to accelerate clean hydrogen production, reduce emissions, and create regional jobs and investment opportunities. The projects, including Cromarty, Whitelee, and West Wales, represent the UK's first-ever hydrogen production agreements and will collectively deliver 31.8MW of capacity. This marks a considerable milestone in the UK's decarbonization journey.
The Hydrogen Production Business Model builds on the success of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, providing long-term revenue support for hydrogen producers. The initiative aims to minimize investment risks and position the UK as a global leader in low-carbon innovation. HAR1 is Europe's largest single allocation of commercial-scale electrolytic hydrogen projects, comprising eleven projects. It introduces a unique policy framework to de-risk hydrogen investments and accelerate deployment. The projects under HAR1 focus on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors where electrification is not feasible, contributing significantly to the UK's Net Zero targets.
Apart from decarbonization, these projects are expected to bring economic benefits by driving regional economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting investments across the UK. The remaining eight contracts are scheduled to be signed in early 2024, solidifying Great Britain's position in clean hydrogen technology and demonstrating its commitment to Net Zero ambitions. The industry minister highlighted the importance of developing infrastructure for Net Zero while creating jobs and fostering skills for the future. The CEO of LCCC expressed pride in signing the pioneering contracts that aim to accelerate Britain's journey towards a Net Zero future. Similarly, the CEO of Hydrogen UK praised the confidence and commitment shown by the government and industry in building a sustainable hydrogen sector, emphasizing the importance of meeting the UK's Net Zero targets.
Topics
Production
Renewable Energy
Clean Energy
Technology
Innovation
Job Creation
Climate Action
Government Support
Economic Growth
Latest News