Unlocking the Hydrogen Economy – ReGen Write Up

During ReGeneration Earth, we brought together a panel of experts to explore the growing potential – and complexity – of the UK’s hydrogen economy. 

Chaired by Guy Philips, Team Lead, Business Development Hydrogen at Uniper, the panel featured Femi Omoniyi, Net Zero Hub Project Manager at West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA); and Qamar Khan, Business Development Manager at Clean Power Hydrogen Group (CPH2) and Hydrogen UK’s Person of the Year 2025. Together, they discussed where the hydrogen economy stands today, what’s holding it back and what needs to happen next. 

Guy opened the session by spotlighting the Humber Hub Green Project, which is a 120MW electrolyser initiative designed to support industrial-scale decarbonisation. He made it clear that hydrogen isn’t just a future ambition, it’s happening – and at scale!

But the question remains: are we moving fast enough?  

Where is the UK in the hydrogen race? 

All three speakers acknowledged that, while the UK had strong early momentum, progress has since slowed and there’s been somewhat of a reality check.  

Ferni noted that the current pace of development isn’t surprising, but recent clarity around policy, particularly in areas like heating, has helped provide some direction. 

Qamar echoed this, explaining that although the sector has experienced a pause, he believes it has also matured. “We’ve moved from the excitement of early ambition to the realism of delivering against tough targets”, he said. 

“Though the UK once led the field, it has now since levelled with Europe. However, I believe the UK is still performing well relative to its size, with a promising number of hydrogen projects in the pipeline.” 

Policy and collaboration 

Two key themes ran throughout the session – clarity around policy and collaboration. 

Ferni stressed that hydrogen can be applied across a wide range of sectors, and regions have a huge opportunity to scale up but only if everyone works together. He emphasised the need for transparency and collective understanding, saying we must remove the competition and act with shared purpose. 

Qamar pointed out one cultural hurdle – the UK loves to queue. He explained that while the UK waits for opportunities, other countries jump ahead and get the job done. This mindset is stalling progress and without the bold leadership from government and private sectors, the end-user has little incentive to go first. 

Where does hydrogen fit best? 

While hydrogen has many potential uses, some sectors are particularly well suited to adapt the use of hydrogen. 

Ferni pointed to industrial processes, transport and aviation as key areas where hydrogen is already proving its value. Qamar agreed, adding that the supply chain itself offers huge potential for growth and innovation. 

They also discussed the importance of transport and storage infrastructure, referring to projects in Teesside and the Northwest. These are vital enablers that give end-users confidence that hydrogen won’t just be produced but it can also be delivered, stored and used safely. 

Big projects versus small wins 

Large-scale infrastructure is essential, but Ferni was quick to champion small-scale local projects too. He expressed that they are just as important and that we need to do our best to support them by having those conversations and understanding what local stakeholders can contribute. 

Qamar, again, agreed and added that innovation – from AI analysis to new storage solutions –will drive progress, but only if we make room for it to happen.  

Making hydrogen affordable  

Guy then raised the elephant in the room: cost. 

Right now, hydrogen production remains at high cost. Qamar acknowledged that even though small-scale projects create excitement and build momentum, it’s the large-scale projects that prove hydrogen can work economically. He noted that hydrogen isn’t like other energy forms – it requires a mindset shift. 

Ferni said:  

“As the market matures, the cost will eventually come down, but it won’t happen overnight. This is a growing economy and we’re still pretty much at the beginning. We must remember that and find ways to work around it.” 

In summary 

This session definitely didn’t shy away from the challenges.  

From tackling topics such as unclear policies to infrastructure gaps and cultural hesitation, the barriers are real. But so are the opportunities. 

Hydrogen is already proving its versatility across sectors that will shape the UK’s net zero journey. 

But what was the key takeaway of this panel? 

Progress won’t come from one sector, one region or even one policy. It will take collaboration, leadership and a collective willingness to take risks, try, fail and innovate. Hydrogen is a global movement, and we need to make sure that the UK stays part of it. 

We’ll be exploring energy policy, including hydrogen, at our upcoming conference, Clean Energy UK. It’s happening in Newcastle on 4th November 2025.