Ashurst Continues to Lead on Landmark Low Carbon Hydrogen Production Contracts in the UK
Key Ideas
- Ashurst is advising the UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on the first three low carbon hydrogen production contracts under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1.
- The contracts with private sector signatories will lead to 31.8MW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity, contributing to reducing emissions across key industries.
- HAR1 is a significant part of the UK's low carbon hydrogen program, with the remaining contracts expected to be signed in early 2025.
- Ashurst's team, led by partners Anthony Johnson and Harvey Weaver, has been instrumental in supporting the UK Government's journey to Net Zero through the low carbon hydrogen program.
Global law firm Ashurst is playing a crucial role in advising the UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on landmark low carbon hydrogen production contracts. The first three contracts have been signed under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1, with the remaining set to be finalized in early 2025. These contracts, involving projects in Cromarty, Whitelee, and West Wales, represent pioneering low carbon hydrogen production initiatives in Great Britain. Once operational, these projects will collectively have a capacity of 31.8MW, facilitating clean hydrogen production and emission reduction in key industries. The Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 is a significant milestone, being the largest single allocation of such contracts at commercial scale concurrently announced in the UK and Europe. Ashurst's involvement in advising DESNZ on this program dates back to 2022, emphasizing the firm's commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives. Partner Anthony Johnson expressed delight in the successful signing of these contracts, highlighting the essential role of the UK Government's low carbon hydrogen program in advancing the country's Net Zero goals. Partners Anthony Johnson and Harvey Weaver are leading the Ashurst team in guiding DESNZ through HAR1 and the associated low carbon hydrogen production contracts. This development builds on the recent closure of the UK's first CCUS projects, marking significant progress in the UK's efforts towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.