A new wave of hydrogen projects has been announced, with 27 initiatives advancing to the next stage of the UK government’s flagship hydrogen programme.
These projects aim to cut emissions, create thousands of jobs and position the UK as a global leader in clean energy.
The shortlisted projects are part of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), and focus on low-carbon hydrogen production and its application in industries such as clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brickmaking and sustainable aviation fuel production.
The initiative is expected to attract more than £1bn in private sector investment by 2029, building on the £400m already secured in locations such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire.
Hydrogen is seen as a cornerstone of the UK’s Plan for Change, helping to decarbonise emission-intensive sectors while driving economic growth.
The programme is set to generate thousands of skilled jobs in areas from engineering and construction to operations, project management and technical specialisations.
The HAR2 shortlist includes projects spanning England, Scotland and Wales, reinforcing the government’s commitment to establishing clean energy hubs nationwide.
Previous projects under HAR1 demonstrate the tangible impact of government support. The Bradford Low Carbon project in Yorkshire uses renewable electricity to power a 10.6 MW electrolyser supplying hydrogen to mobility sectors such as JCB diggers and Wrightbus hydrogen buses. Similarly, Scotland’s Cromarty Hydrogen Project uses wind power to supply local industries with green hydrogen.
