The government has unveiled a £375million package for innovative energy technologies, including £240million investment in hydrogen production.
Commenting on today's announcement, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy network companies, said:
“With millions of pounds invested, we are already preparing Great Britain's networks for hydrogen and today's news alongside yesterday’s Energy Security Strategy sets a clear direction for the UK delivering the technologies of tomorrow. The ambition is there from government and industry alike to create the energy system we need for Net Zero.”
Notes to editor
- Read ENA's response to the Energy Security Strategy.
- There are mechanisms built into the RIIO regulatory regime which allow for changes in policy such as this to increase in investment, allowing the networks to operate in an agile and responsive manner.
- In building the networks of the future, we are working with the regulator and government to ensure the right infrastructure and resources are in place to make sure the UK remains one of the most resilient energy systems in the world whilst also delivering on our Net Zero commitments.
- Gas networks have already made significant progress towards safely using hydrogen in the gas network, expediting the shift to decarbonised gases with a number of projects underway.
- Energy Networks Association published Britain’s Hydrogen Blending Delivery Plan in January 2022 where we called for domestic 2030 hydrogen production target to double from 5GW to 10GW to ensure that as much hydrogen as possible is produced from sources here in the UK, to better protect homes and businesses from international gas market changes. We are pleased the government has listened and is backing this with new investment.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.