Publication

Effective use of Renewables to Reduce Emissions

Large scale green hydrogen relying on renewable electricity will likely become a major feature of the UK energy system during the 2030s. However, at present fossil fuelled generation remains an important component of the European power system, and while this remains the case there are some difficult trade-offs to consider.

The UK Government recently doubled its 2030 targets for low carbon hydrogen production capacity, from 5GW to 10GW. At least half of this capacity is intended to be for making hydrogen by electrolysis, presently a small fraction of total production. Low carbon hydrogen is likely to be required for a range of applications in a net-zero economy. For example, it is likely to be needed in iron and steel making, providing high temperature industrial heat, chemicals and probably for powering shipping. It is also likely to play an important role in balancing
electricity systems. Setting targets for low carbon hydrogen production capacity in 2030 recognises the value of building scale in production and transport over the remainder of this decade. Large scale green hydrogen relying on renewable electricity will likely become a major feature of the UK energy system during the 2030s. However, at present fossil fuelled generation remains an important component of the
European power system, and while this remains the case there are some difficult trade-offs to consider.

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EFFECTIVE USE OF RENEWABLES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS