Global law firm Ashurst is providing ongoing advice to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in the UK. The first three out of eleven low carbon hydrogen production contracts have been signed under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1), with the remaining contracts expected to be finalized by early 2025. The signed contracts involve private sector projects in Cromarty, Whitelee, and West Wales, which are groundbreaking in their low carbon hydrogen production capabilities, totaling 31.8MW. These projects aim to enable clean hydrogen production and reduce emissions in key industries. HAR1 is a significant initiative as it is the largest single allocation of such contracts at a commercial scale in the UK and Europe. Ashurst has been advising DESNZ on the broader low carbon hydrogen program, of which HAR1 is a crucial component, since 2022. Partner Anthony Johnson expressed the firm's excitement in supporting DESNZ in these milestone contracts, highlighting the importance of the UK Government's low carbon hydrogen program in advancing the country towards its Net Zero goals. Partners Anthony Johnson and Harvey Weaver are at the forefront of the Ashurst team supporting DESNZ in navigating HAR1 and the associated low carbon hydrogen production contracts. This development follows the recent closure of the UK's first CCUS projects in December 2024, indicating continued progress in the country's efforts towards sustainable energy solutions.