The UK holds vast potential for hydrogen storage, with the British Geological Survey estimating a capacity of up to 3,000 TWh—well beyond the 60-100 TWh needed by 2050, according to the Royal Society.
With its strategic location and expertise in offshore wind, oil, and gas, the UK is well-positioned to become a leader in the hydrogen industry. However, this opportunity may slip away without decisive government action to develop the necessary hydrogen storage and infrastructure.
Government support is critical as the push toward clean energy by 2030 intensifies. As the reliance on renewable energy like wind and solar increases, so does the challenge of managing their variability. Hydrogen, which can provide backup power when renewables falter, is essential for stabilizing the grid.
Hydrogen UK projects that 3.5 TWh of storage capacity will be required by 2030. The UK’s geological salt caverns, such as those in Teesside, which have been used for storage since 1972, demonstrate the feasibility of this technology. Co-locating hydrogen storage near industrial hubs will further secure supply and drive adoption. However, to realize this potential, a robust hydrogen infrastructure is needed.
Efforts are underway to develop a UK hydrogen backbone, building on existing gas infrastructure to connect industrial clusters, trade hubs, and interconnectors. To fast-track hydrogen adoption, the government should focus on developing a core network of hydrogen pipelines by 2026. Without such infrastructure, the energy grid risks continued capacity issues, increasing consumer costs.
The integration of hydrogen and electricity networks is vital for a resilient and decarbonized energy system. A strategic approach, led by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), could optimize efficiency, balance the grid, and enhance the UK’s role as an international hydrogen trading hub.
The government must provide clear targets and a streamlined process for developing hydrogen infrastructure to achieve this vision. Local authorities should be empowered to expedite these developments, ensuring timely delivery. Any delay could hinder investment and derail decarbonization targets, potentially raising system costs by £1.7 billion by 2035.
Investing in hydrogen storage and networks is more than just energy policy—it is a strategic move toward sustainable economic growth, energy security, and net-zero ambitions. The government must act decisively to realize the UK’s hydrogen potential fully.
