Hydrogen has been proposed as a clean energy carrier, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to fossil fuels during the net zero transition. Hydrogen’s significance lies in its production process, which in some cases means that it can be a zero-emission energy source. Hydrogen’s high energy density and versatility allow it to be used in various forms, including as a fuel for vehicles, in power generation, and as a raw material in chemical industries. This flexibility facilitates its integration into existing energy systems, making it a key player in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. In this article, Professor Aoife Foley, Dr Dlzar Al Kez, and Faraedoon Ahmed, consider how the potential benefits of hydrogen could be unlocked.

• Hydrogen interconnectors may play a crucial role in supporting the development of a global hydrogen infrastructure and can facilitate the decarbonisation of hard to abate sectors by providing a clean and scalable energy carrier.
• Despite the immense potential, widespread adoption of interconnected hydrogen-electricity systems faces several challenges including technological, regulatory and economic barriers.
• To unlock the benefits of hydrogen-electricity integration the government should prioritise interconnector infrastructure and regulation.

Hydrogen’s potential

The UK’s strategy to achieve its net zero emissions targets by 2050 places a significant emphasis on hydrogen as a key component of its energy mix, with ambitious targets set for hydrogen production capacity, aiming for 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030.

Hydrogen serves as an energy vector in hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as industry, heating, and heavy transport, where alternative energy sources, like electricity, may be impractical. Its ability to offer energy storage capabilities, resilience, and potential to improve the UK’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported natural gas makes it a strategic choice for the country’s energy future. The UK government is actively supporting the growth of hydrogen production, distribution, and utilisation, demonstrated through initiatives like the £5.1 million RECYCLE project led on by The University of Manchester. RECYCLE aims to develop and demonstrate an innovative hydrogen production pilot unit that employs chemical looping reforming (CLR), incorporating built-in carbon capture mechanisms.

Connecting hydrogen markets and supply chains

Interconnectors (high voltage cables running across land or under the sea) serve as vital conduits for the transmission of energy between different regions and energy sources. Hydrogen interconnectors may play a crucial role in supporting the development of a global hydrogen infrastructure and can facilitate transportation of hydrogen to the grid, in order to off-set fluctuating/seasonal demand. They have several important functions.

Hydrogen interconnectors can connect UK hydrogen production and storage facilities with European and international markets, enabling the trade of hydrogen and related goods and services, aiming to meet uncertain demand. This can help support the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy and international energy supply chains. Interconnectors can increase the UK’s long-term energy security by enabling the import and export of hydrogen during periods of high demand or low domestic production. This flexibility can help balance supply and demand and reduce dependence on imported natural gas.

Integrating offshore wind and hydrogen production through multi-purpose interconnectors (MPIs) can create synergies and maximise the utilisation of renewable energy. Coordinated approaches to developing interconnected energy hubs in regions like the North Sea can support the development of a global hydrogen infrastructure.

Interconnectors facilitate the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, such as industry and transport, by providing a clean and scalable energy carrier. By transferring hydrogen, a cleaner fuel, from region to region, interconnectors integrate current energy markets, promote competition and price stability, and offer consumer access to a wider range of energy sources.

Interconnectors foster international collaboration in the energy sector. Cross-border infrastructure encourages cooperation between countries, facilitating the exchange of renewable energy and promoting collective efforts towards carbon neutrality.

Immense potential but many challenges

Despite its immense potential, the widespread adoption of interconnected hydrogen-electricity systems faces several challenges including technological, regulatory, and economic barriers. Enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydrogen-electricity conversion processes is paramount. This involves advancements in electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell technologies to ensure that hydrogen can be produced, stored, transported, and utilised effectively and efficiently.

Furthermore, significant investment is required to develop the necessary infrastructure for a hydrogen economy in the UK, including pipelines for hydrogen transportation and electrolyser capacity for hydrogen production. These investments must be carefully planned and managed to ensure they are economically viable and environmentally responsible.

Additionally, regulatory frameworks must evolve to accommodate the unique characteristics of hydrogen as an energy carrier. This includes ensuring safety standards, interoperability across different systems, and market competitiveness. Special attention must be given to cross-border energy trade regulations to facilitate fair market access for hydrogen. From an economic perspective, the cost-effectiveness of interconnector projects requires careful evaluation, alongside investment incentives and risk mitigation strategies. Continued technological innovation in electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell technologies is crucial to drive down costs and improve efficiency.

Strategies for overcoming barriers

To fully harness the potential of interconnectors in bridging hydrogen and electricity, a strategic policy framework is essential. This framework should not only incentivise infrastructure investments but also nurture research and development, expedite certification processes, and standardise interoperability protocols. Furthermore, establishing effective market mechanisms for hydrogen trading and pricing is crucial. A fundamental element of this framework should be the introduction of incentives designed to attract private investment, spur innovation, and encourage the adoption of hydrogen technologies. These incentives could encompass tax breaks for infrastructure development, support for the research environment, simplified permitting procedures, and the offer of financial incentives for adhering to standardised protocols.

Additionally, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange is indispensable for driving the global shift towards a hydrogen-based economy. This entails establishing standardised pricing mechanisms to ensure transparency and consistency across international markets. Collaborative efforts should integrate markets between countries through agreements for cross-border trading and the harmonisation of regulations. Furthermore, facilitating information exchange and knowledge sharing will promote best practices in hydrogen production, distribution, and utilisation on a global scale. Such efforts will incentivise collaboration and innovation, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable hydrogen market worldwide.

The University of Manchester, through its part in the  HI-ACT Project, is instrumental in driving research towards the integration of hydrogen into future net zero energy systems. The project aims to integrate hydrogen equitably into the energy system through comprehensive, multidisciplinary research that addresses integration challenges. This aligns with the broader goals outlined in the UK’s Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework Delivery Plan for 2022 to 2025.

Unlocking the benefits of hydrogen

Despite the array of challenges and barriers, the potential benefits of hydrogen-electricity integration are substantial. In order to unlock the full potential of this integration and propel the transition to a sustainable energy future, the government should prioritise interconnector infrastructure and regulation. With the support of developed infrastructure, such as interconnectors and storage, and harmonised standards, financial incentives and flexible market mechanisms can influence the demand for hydrogen.

However, this demands cross-sectoral collaborations, governments, industry stakeholders, and the engagement of research institutions, alongside long-term planning to devise and implement innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate hydrogen into the energy landscape. This would ensure both economic viability and environmental sustainability, while enhancing energy security.

Lastly, we need to be vigilant that hydrogen needs to be environmentally friendly, and that it is used for the right applications and in the right place.