D2N2’s Hydrogen Taskforce could be a key building block for the Midlands Engine as part of a new strategy for hydrogen technologies announced this week.
Last year Derby set out its aim to become the UK’s centre of excellence for future fuel technologies, using the city’s advanced manufacturing expertise to revolutionise the way low-carbon energy is used to power businesses, transport and homes.
In a bid to realise its goal, Derby City Council commissioned Arup – a global, employee-owned, built environment consultancy – to study the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for the region, and to set out a roadmap of how that could become a reality.
Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a viable and low carbon future fuel that can help the UK meet its net zero commitments by 2050.
The work by Derby City Council, Arup and D2N2 reflects the case for the scaling up of hydrogen made in the government’s recently released UK Hydrogen Strategy report, which pledges support for creating a market and developing home-grown supply chains, leveraging local research and innovation strengths, and attracting investment to create high quality jobs, industry and export opportunities.
As the UK transitions to a low carbon economy there are significant opportunities from the changes to technology, methods of production and forms of consumption. The D2N2 hydrogen taskforce has been set up to lead by example and foster collaboration to create pace and greater co-ordination, as well as a strong single voice to investors and Government.
The new taskforce brings together business, entrepreneurs, academia and public sector partners to champion a range of projects aimed at delivering opportunities for investment, business growth and jobs across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2). The taskforce will focus on five main areas:
- Production, distribution, and storage
- Heating
- Transport
- Industry
- Jobs, skills and research.
David Williams, deputy chair of the D2N2 LEP, said: “Derby and the wider D2N2 region is well placed to be national front-runner for establishing a hydrogen economy, the taskforce aims to bring people and assets together to make hydrogen not only a practical low carbon energy source but also a driver for new jobs and skills for the region.”
