Ed Miliband urged to 're-energise' Humber with hydrogen network decision
The Government has been urged to “re-energise” the Humber by selecting it as the location for the UK’s first hydrogen infrastructure network by the region’s energy board.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is to select one industrial region in the UK to receive £500m to create the first regional hydrogen transport and storage network, with the process starting this year.
The Humber is expected to be one of the leading contenders, and as such businesses and local politicians have urged Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to give a boost to the area which has seen both Vivergo Fuels Ltd and Prax’s Lindsey Oil Refinery close in recent months.
A letter from the Humber Energy Board (HEB) has been sent to Mr Miliband, co-signed by 11 major energy companies, all four local authorities, the Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire Luke Campbell and the Humber Freeport.
It puts forward the case for why the region - which is the UK’s biggest for carbon emissions - is the ideal location for such a network, with the existing infrastructure and the climate impact.
Mr Miliband is also called on to speed up the process for carbon capture and storage funding, with businesses pledging to invest £15bn if the Government backs the Viking project.
HEB chair Richard Gwilliam explained that “2026 will be a vital year for the Humber, with several game-changing decisions from government around hydrogen and carbon capture and storage which could transform the region.
“Today, the Humber is critical for UK energy security, and business and partners in the region want to go further,” he said.
“This incredibly strong proposal to deliver a low-carbon industrial cluster is backed by experienced energy and infrastructure companies that are prepared to invest billions to create the new opportunities that this region needs.
“Now is the time for the Government to unlock this potential and re-energise the Humber.”
The message is backed by both Labour and Tory MPs. Graham Stuart, the Conservative MP for Beverley and Holderness and a former energy minister, said: “If the country is to take advantage of key technologies, reduce emissions, create jobs and cut bills, we need action.
“That’s why we need the government to support hydrogen and carbon capture in our area and bring investment back to the Humber.”
Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes Melanie Onn added: “The Humber is the ideal place to locate the UK’s first hydrogen network, given its geology, geography and the wide range of key industries on both banks of the Humber Estuary that can benefit from its use.
“Hydrogen will play a key role in the energy transition, helping major employers in this region to reduce emissions whilst retaining jobs and stimulating economic growth.”
A DESNZ spokesperson said: “The hydrogen industry will play a key role in our mission to become a clean energy superpower - that's why we backed the industry with £500m in the summer spending review.
“Our ambitious Hydrogen Strategy will set out our vision and clear intentions for the UK’s industry, including in the Humber, driving clean energy investment and unlocking thousands of skilled jobs up and down the country."