Green Hydrogen Surge: UK Signs Off Landmark Projects Set to Spark Clean Energy Revolution
In a decisive move towards its clean energy goals, the UK government has greenlit ten large-scale green hydrogen projects, paving the way for a new era of low-carbon industry across the country.
These projects, now officially under contract through the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1), are poised to kickstart construction and inject new momentum into Britain’s decarbonisation drive.
With more than 700 jobs on the line, from apprentices to seasoned engineers, the green hydrogen sector is now firmly in motion.
“This is a breakthrough moment,” say energy officials, as these shovel-ready ventures transition from planning to reality, fuelled by over £400 million in private investment set to flow between 2024 and 2026.
Groundwork has already started. One of the most transformative efforts is unfolding in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where the HyMarnham project is redeveloping the former High Marnham coal plant into a fully-fledged clean energy hub. A historic site making a modern comeback.
Scotland, too, is making waves. The Cromarty Hydrogen Project in the northeast is deploying three 5MW electrolysers to produce hydrogen for local industries, including the country’s iconic distilleries. A bold blend of tradition and technology.
Industries across the board will benefit, steel, waste disposal, transport, brewing, and tissue manufacturing are just a few of the sectors that will start using green hydrogen as their cleaner energy source.
Sarah Jones, Minister for Industry, said: “Hydrogen will help us cut industrial emissions and support Britain’s industrial renewal by creating thousands of jobs in our industrial heartlands as part of the Plan for Change.”
The government’s initiative forms a core part of its broader mission to become a “clean energy superpower,” with green hydrogen now positioned as a critical pillar of that ambition.
Major players aren’t waiting on the sidelines. Consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark has pledged £125 million, alongside partners HYRO, Carlton Power, and Schroders Greencoat, to bring HAR1-backed hydrogen projects to life in Cumbria and Kent.
The company is officially the first major UK manufacturer to adopt green hydrogen at scale.
Neil McDermott, CEO of Low Carbon Contracts Company, noted: “These agreements provide revenue stability for producers, and a clear signal that low-carbon hydrogen has a key role to play in the UK’s future energy system.”
The contracts offer long-term price support for hydrogen producers, effectively unlocking investment and de-risking development.
Looking further ahead, the government is preparing to consult on hydrogen blending at the transmission level, a potential game-changer that could influence both costs and integration with the national energy grid.
With the HAR1 contracts now in play, and more rounds expected, the UK is fast positioning itself as a European leader in the global hydrogen race.
And this time, the clean energy transition isn’t just a future vision; it’s already breaking ground.
