TEESSIDE could play a major role in the UK’s hydrogen economy as a new report looks to set out the steps the Government must take to decarbonise domestic heating, industry and transport.

A cross-party group of parliamentarians yesterday (Tuesday), urged the Government to move quickly on hydrogen and set ambitious policies to unlock investment, create employment opportunities and support the UK’s net-zero targets - and Teesside is at the forefront of the technology.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen’s report, developed as part of its inquiry into ‘How the UK’s hydrogen sector can help support the UK’s economic recovery', sets out 15 recommendations to support and accelerate the growth of the UK’s hydrogen sector.

These include: Developing a cross-departmental hydrogen strategy between Government and industry, using regulatory levers to unlock private sector investment required, including amending the GSMR (Gas Safety Management Regulations) and expanding the remit of the Bus Service Operator Grant.

Setting interim targets for low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030 alongside the introduction of a Low Carbon Obligation to enable investment in low carbon forms of heating such as hydrogen, mandating hydrogen-ready boilers by 2025, delivering funding models to create investment and economic jobs directly to the UK.

Chair of the APPG on Hydrogen, Jacob Young MP said: “The benefits of delivering a hydrogen economy are clear. From reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality to developing the UK’s green economy through the creation of skilled green jobs and strengthening our energy security.

"Hydrogen can play a key role in shaping our future economy and our ability to meet our net-zero targets. The UK is a global leader in hydrogen technology and innovation, but with many countries now pressing ahead with national hydrogen strategies, the UK must act quickly or risk falling behind.

"Teesside produces more than half of the UK's Hydrogen - so this report is incredibly important for our gas industry in Redcar and Cleveland, and I want to see us as a UK centre for innovation in new hydrogen technology."