Hydrogen Sponsor Challenge to Ignite North Wales’s Low-Carbon Economy

Calls are being made for organizations to apply to develop a hydrogen hub in North Wales as part of the Hydrogen Sponsor Challenge initiated by Ambition North Wales.

This ambitious initiative aims to kick-start the hydrogen economy in the region by appointing an organization to deliver a comprehensive hydrogen hub that encompasses both production and utilization of hydrogen. With up to £11.2 million in capital funding available, this project aims to facilitate the demand for hydrogen and enable organizations to transition from fossil fuels to a cleaner and more sustainable energy source.

Cllr Llinos Medi, the Anglesey Council Leader and Lead Member of the Low Carbon Energy program, emphasized the importance of hydrogen in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The development of a hydrogen hub presents an excellent opportunity for a large-scale project to secure substantial funding and contribute to North Wales’s prominence in the hydrogen sector. By aligning with national government strategies such as the Welsh Government Hydrogen Pathway and the UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy and British Energy Security Strategy, the hub will play a crucial role in helping the region achieve its net-zero targets and make a significant impact.

The proposed hydrogen hub will not only serve as a catalyst for the region’s energy transition but also create synergies with other hydrogen and net-zero developments across North Wales. This integration is essential for maximizing supply chain and employment opportunities, providing a holistic approach to the region’s clean energy initiatives.

Alwen Williams, Portfolio Director at Ambition North Wales, highlighted the region’s strengths, including significant industrial clusters in Wrexham and Deeside, excellent transportation links, and the recently acquired freeport status of the port of Holyhead. These advantages position North Wales as an ideal location for the establishment of a hydrogen hub that can drive the adoption of hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels.

The Hydrogen Sponsor Challenge invites organizations capable of meeting the specified criteria to apply to work with Ambition North Wales in delivering this important project on a regional and national scale. The selected sponsor must present a compelling business case for the development of a low-carbon hydrogen hub in North Wales, with the aim of having the hub operational and actively involved in hydrogen production and utilization by 2030.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in North Wales’s journey towards a sustainable future and supports the national goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero targets. By establishing a hydrogen hub, the region can create a thriving hydrogen economy, attracting investments, fostering innovation, and driving the transition to a greener and more sustainable energy landscape.