These projects mark the first group of hydrogen initiatives ready for construction, aligning with the UK’s Plan for Change to enhance sustainable energy development. They will supply clean hydrogen to industries such as waste management, steel production, brewing, transportation, and tissue manufacturing, fostering environmentally friendly operations across the UK.
Construction has already started at the HyMarnham project in Newark, Nottinghamshire, transforming the former High Marnham coal-fired power station into a clean energy hub. Another notable initiative, the Cromarty Hydrogen Project in northeast Scotland, will use three 5MW electrolysers to provide hydrogen to local industries, including distilleries.
Together, these projects are expected to draw more than £400 million in private investment between 2024 and 2026. They will create employment opportunities for pipefitters, engineers, graduates, and apprentices in industrial hubs such as South Wales, North Scotland, Teesside, and Bradford.
“Hydrogen will help us cut industrial emissions and support Britain’s industrial renewal by creating thousands of jobs in our industrial heartlands as part of the Plan for Change,” said UK Minister for Industry Sarah Jones.
Kimberly-Clark, a major consumer goods manufacturer, has committed £125 million in partnership with HYRO, Carlton Power, and Schroders Greencoat to support HAR1 projects in Cumbria and Kent, becoming the first UK company in its sector to adopt green hydrogen at scale.
“These agreements provide revenue stability for producers, and a clear signal that low-carbon hydrogen has a key role to play in the UK’s future energy system,” said Neil McDermott, chief executive of Low Carbon Contracts Company.
The government also plans to explore hydrogen transmission-level blending through upcoming consultations, assessing its potential to reduce energy costs and enhance integration into the broader energy system. These efforts underscore the UK’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth and clean energy innovation.
