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South West England and South Wales are uniquely positioned to capitalise on a UK green hydrogen market opportunity set to reach £30bn to £90bn by 2050.
A new report from the Great Western Supercluster of Hydrogen Impact for Future Technologies (GW-SHIFT) outlines how the regions’ industrial heritage, established marine and aerospace clusters, and renewable energy resources place them at the forefront of green hydrogen production and innovation.
The report provides practical guidance on funding opportunities, skills pathways, policy developments, and regional projects already delivering impact, particularly in sectors that are harder to electrify.
Karen Brooks, deputy director of GW-SHIFT, said: “Green hydrogen offers a powerful pathway to deliver economic growth alongside environmental responsibility and energy security. This report has been developed to support businesses, investors, advisors and policymakers by bringing together market intelligence, funding mechanisms, skills pathways and regional case studies, and by highlighting the practical opportunities, especially for SMEs, to engage with the hydrogen economy.”
The regions’ engagement in heavy industry means many core skills required across the green hydrogen supply chain are already in place, with low-carbon hydrogen already being utilised, providing a foundation for growth and job creation.
Frazer Ely, founder and chief executive of Latent Drive, said: “Our industries and agriculture depend on it, particularly for fertiliser and ammonia production, which supports our food supplies. Our region is well placed to move hydrogen production from fossil fuels to renewables, which opens up new opportunities with new technologies and new jobs.”
Anna Lewis, decarbonisation project manager at Caerphilly County Borough Council, added: “The report clearly outlines the growing opportunities that hydrogen can bring to councils and businesses in South Wales, showing the benefits in particular to harder-to-electrify areas.”
The report includes a staged approach for organisations beginning their hydrogen journey, helping councils and businesses identify relevant sectors, collaboration opportunities, and routes to funding.
GW-SHIFT will host a webinar on 13 March, bringing together experts to discuss the findings and regional opportunities. The session will include a keynote presentation from report author Laura Norris and a panel discussion chaired by Brooks.
