Humber poised to play a ‘critical role’ in green energy transition, says Humber Freeport CEO

He said: “The Humber, with its unique geographical and industrial assets, is poised to play a critical role in the energy transition.

"It is clear there is no single silver bullet, and hydrogen must be a key part of the blend of renewable technologies required to decarbonise industry.

“The Humber’s powerful presence at Innovation Zero is a real statement of intent – that the UK’s Energy Estuary is a prime location for investment, innovation and collaboration to reach net zero.”

Humber Freeport hosted a breakout session on day one of the conference which focused on hydrogen as a “viable and prosperous” energy source of the future.

The session explored how hydrogen can help decarbonise industry as a renewable source of energy and the commitment needed from Government to “accelerate its adoption”.

In the Humber 2030 Vision, published by the Humber Energy Board, hydrogen is described as being “at the heart of the UK’s pathway to net zero, offering a viable solution for the decarbonisation of industry across the Humber cluster”.

Its significance is also profiled in the Humber Industrial Cluster Plan, which highlighted that switching to hydrogen fuel could reduce the region’s carbon emissions by up to 21 per cent by 2040.

Mr Green was part of a regional delegation at the conference which included Frédéric Séné, commercial director of Air Products, and Chris Smith, founder and CEO of Meld Energy.

Also in attendance at the conference was John Flint, CEO of the Leeds-based National Wealth Fund.

Speaking on investment opportunities in net zero, Mr Flint encouraged businesses and individuals to be bold in their investment and help nurture a “much more supportive environment for risk taking.”

The comments come after former prime minister Tony Blair argued earlier this week that current approaches to climate change were “irrational”.

In the foreword for a report from the Tony Blair Institute, he wrote: “In developed countries, voters feel they’re being asked to make financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal.”