Hydrogen Horizons: Is the UK Ready to Lead the Clean Hydrogen Race? – Clean Energy Writeup

At the recent Clean Energy UK Conference, a panel of experts explored hydrogen’s role in the UK’s net zero transition, focusing on whether the country is prepared to deploy hydrogen at scale. The discussion looked at the balance between blue and green hydrogen, the rise of regional clusters and how the UK can position itself as a global hydrogen leader. 

The panel was chaired by Declan Williams, Head of Partnerships at The Sustainability Community, and featured: 

• Natalia Zografou-Barredo, Researcher at Newcastle University, specialising in electrical engineering, climate resilience, and hydrogen integration. 

• Graham Dixon, Project Development Manager at LYHFE, a green hydrogen producer with operational sites in the UK, France and Germany. 

• Ross Howells, Senior Associate at Burges Salmon LLP, experience in renewable energy contracts, HAR1 & HAR2 clusters, and infrastructure development. 

• Tom Glyn-Jones, Senior Advisor at the Environment Agency, focused on low-carbon technologies, regulatory frameworks, and national infrastructure planning.  

The session began with panel introductions. Declan framed the discussion around whether the UK is ready to lead the hydrogen sector and the factors needed to achieve this.  

Natalia first emphasised that hydrogen is not a standalone technology but a crucial part of a wider energy system. She highlighted that its deployment must align with energy demand, electricity network support and consumer needs, and careful consideration is required for where hydrogen fits into the broader energy transition. 

UK Infrastructure and Market Readiness  

Graham noted that while the UK provides generous support for hydrogen, scaling up is constrained by gaps in transport and storage infrastructure. He also explained that public engagement and backing are also vital to ensue net zero ambitions gain governmental support. 

Tom added that industries reliant on natural gas need alternative solutions like hydrogen, but the switch cannot happen overnight. He said that hydrogen infrastructure must enable industrial off takers to adopt the technology, particularly in regions such as the North East. 

Ross highlighted that the UK takes an agnostic approach to blue and green hydrogen, unlike Europe, which has more defined strategies in place. He explained that the UK is sitting behind in infrastructure investment compared to European neighbours, such as Germany. He said, financially, the UK could do more to support projects like HAR1 and HAR2, while logistically, a national hydrogen infrastructure is still developing. 

Blue and Green Hydrogen 

The panel agreed on the need for a balanced approach. 

Blue hydrogen is currently cheaper to produce at scale, relying on fossil fuels and carbon capture, and can supply the grid efficiently, acting as a bridge to future green expansion.  

Green hydrogen, while more expensive, is crucial for long-term sustainability and should initially target small-scale sectors. 

Graham noted that integrating both in the energy mix is essential, with green hydrogen’s costs expected to decrease as infrastructure develops. 

Tom explained that regulatory frameworks and carbon capture requirements increase complexity. Industries are exploring modular electrolysers to produce their own hydrogen, but large-scale green hydrogen deployment is limited currently. Blue hydrogen remains the most practical option to meet immediate energy demand and supply the national grid. 

Policy, Planning and Regulatory Considerations 

When asked by the panel chair, Declan, it was a common thought that policy certainty and clear industrial strategies are critical for scaling hydrogen. 

Graham stressed the need for updated sector-specific strategies, including the role of clusters like HAR1 and HAR2. 

Natalia emphasised that multidisciplinary policy decisions are required, especially with how hydrogen is used in heating, electricity storage and broader energy networks.  

Tom highlighted that streamlined permitting and planning processes are essential to enable projects while ensuring environmental compliance. In addition to this point, Ross added that financial attractiveness depends on clear investment frameworks and proven off takers, noting the importance of balancing supply chain capabilities with demand.  

Looking a Decade Ahead  

Before the panel session concluded, Declan poised the question of what hydrogen leadership looks like in ten years’ time and what we can do now to ensure we get there. 

Natalia suggested that research scenarios and pathways provide clarity on hydrogen’s role and demand, helping to guide future projects. 

Graham highlighted the importance of coordinated HAR projects and derivative industries such as methanol and ammonia production.  

Ross mentioned phasing out subsidies where economically viable, blending gas with CCUS and adopting a holistic net zero approach. 

Finally, Tom emphasised that hydrogen must contribute effectively to decarbonisation targets, expanding supply networks, while remaining safe and cost-effective to off takers and users. 

Permitting, Cost and Current Deployment 

During the Q&A at the end of the session, an audience member asked how regulators and local authorities could streamline planning and permitting. 

Tom explained that the Environment Agency is actively pursuing pre-application guidance, collaborating with local authorities and advising industry early in project design.  

Graham added that local authorities’ limited experience with hydrogen projects can slow progress, highlighting the need for regulatory clarity and investment certainty. 

Questions about cost and current deployment were also addressed. 

Graham noted that hydrogen production remains expensive, and electrification costs can cause short-term revenue losses for businesses, but access to hydrogen enables a quicker transition to clean energy.  

Ross compared hydrogen schemes to small nuclear reactions (referred to as SNR’s during the session), explaining that while both are experimental, hydrogen is almost a decade behind in mass deployment. 

Panellists confirmed that small-scale hydrogen schemes are already running, and HAR1 projects are enabling early deployment, with wider rollout expected soon. 

In Summary 

This session highlighted one main thing: hydrogen has enormous potential to support the UK’s net zero goals, but success depends on coordinated action. 

The UK has the ambition, early projects and technical capability, yet progress now hinges on scaling infrastructure, strengthening policy, and giving industry the clarity it needs to invest with confidence.  

Blue and green hydrogen will both play essential roles, and regions like the North East are already proving what early development can look like. With growing interest across regulators, developers and local authorities, the next phase is about delivery – turning strategy into practical, cost-effective projects that help industry transition at speed. 

Clean Energy UK 2026 will be happening in Newcastle on 19th November 2026. You can enquire to get involved now by emailing enquiries@thesustainabilitycommunity.com