The Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) has called on the government to bring forward the announcement to convert the UK’s gas networks from natural gas to hydrogen.
On 7 March, the EUA acknowledged that government has previously said a decision on a gas network hydrogen conversion would be forthcoming in 2026. However, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EUA called for it to send a “clear signal” to Russia that the UK is shifting away from natural gas and with it, any dependence on Russian fossil fuels. EUA Chief Executive, Mike Foster, explained that bringing forward the announcement on hydrogen is something the Prime Minister could do “tomorrow”.
Foster said: “Europe is waking up to a hydrogen future as a way of dealing with Putin’s terror. We should signal that is our intention too. British industry will respond positively to such news and it will be another nail in Putin’s gas stranglehold. British manufacturers are ready to respond, the UK’s world-leading gas networks are ready too. The Prime Minister just needs to get on with it.”
Foster further outlined how green hydrogen is the long-term future “the world is banking on” as, in contrast to gas reserves, its production is not limited to a select few countries. Instead, it will come from countries with an abundance of wind or sun, one of which is the UK, with many other “friendly nations” having the same.
Foster added: “We can become more energy independent and interdependent with green hydrogen, so the sooner we make the announcement to convert our gas networks, the better off we will be and the safer our world will be too.”
