The production of green hydrogen in the UK is still in its early stages, but there is a growing momentum driven by the UK government’s net-zero targets, investments from private companies, and the ambitious hydrogen strategy laid out in 2021. Below is an analysis of the current and projected green hydrogen production across the UK’s regions (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England), along with future growth expectations, demand for green electricity, supply capacities, and costs associated with green hydrogen production.
Current Green Hydrogen Production in the UK
Green hydrogen production in the UK is still limited compared to other European countries like Germany or the Netherlands. However, several projects have started operations or are in the development phase.
Scotland
- Current Production: Scotland is at the forefront of green hydrogen development due to its access to vast wind energy resources. Currently, Orkney and other regions are producing limited amounts of green hydrogen primarily for local use.
- Estimated Production: Around 5,000-10,000 kg/day from existing pilot projects like the Orkney Surf ‘n’ Turf and BIG HIT projects.
- Growth by 2030: Scotland aims to produce 5 GW of green hydrogen by 2030. For example, a development by Storegga is expected to produce around 200MW of green hydrogen by 2032. Statera Energy utility-scale green hydrogen in Aberdeen 500MW to 3GW is under planning and other planned Green hydrogen developments include, Hunterston, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP), Fife’s world-first H100 hydrogen network, Glasgow Hy2Go, SPR/BOC 20MW projects, Orkney Flotta Hydrogen Hub, Shetland ORION Clean Energy, Outer Hebrides Energy Hub, Whitelee Green Hydrogen Project 2026: 2,000 kg/day (based on current plans and wind power availability 2030 onwards: 50,000 kg/day (as renewable capacity expands) and Haush Scotland 100MW projects from 2026 could translate into a total production capacity of 100,000-400,000 kg/day based on conservative electrolysis efficiencies.
Wales
- Current Production: Wales is still in the early stages, but several projects, including the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub and collaborations with the South Wales Industrial Cluster, are under development.
- Current Estimated Production: Around 1,000-2,000 kg/day in early-stage projects.
- Growth by 2030: Wales is expected to scale to 1 GW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030, with Haush 100 MW, RWE 110 MW (potentially 200MW), HyBont in Bridgend will consist of a 5.2MW, West Wales Hydrogen electrolyser in Milford Haven 14.2MW, resulting in potential production of 100,000-150,000 kg/day.
Northern Ireland
- Current Production: There are smaller-scale pilot projects in Northern Ireland, like GenComm, but production is currently minimal.
- Current Estimated Production: Less than 500 kg/day from existing pilot projects.
- Growth by 2030: Northern Ireland is targeting 0.5 GW of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. For example Hygen is working with Wrightbus in Ballymena to eventually support 300 FCEV buses a day. Overall the potential production in N.I. could be around 10,000-15,000 kg/day.
England
- Current Production: England, with its larger economy and industrial base, is seeing significant activity. Major projects include ITM Power‘s gigafactory and collaboration with BP at the Teesside Hydrogen Hub.
- Current Estimated Production: 10,000-20,000 kg/day from existing projects.
- Growth by 2030: England is expected to account for the majority of the UK’s green hydrogen production, aiming for 5-10 GW by 2030. For example, HyNet North West, 2026: 1,000 kg/day 2030 onwards: 50,000 kg/day, H2Teesside 2026: 2,000 kg/day (initial production primarily blue hydrogen with some green hydrogen pilot) in 2030 onwards: 60,000 kg/day (as the project transitions more fully to green hydrogen). Haush plans to have at least 2 sites in England of 100MW each. This would translate to a potential total production in England of 150,000-500,000 kg/day
Projected Green Hydrogen Growth by 2030
The UK Hydrogen Strategy set a target of 10 GW (4,800,000 kg/day) of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, of which 5 GW (2,400,000 kg/day.) will be green hydrogen. The breakdown is likely as follows:
- Scotland: 100,000-400,000 kg/day.
- Wales: 100,000-150,000 kg/day.
- Northern Ireland: 10,000-15,000 kg/day.
- England: 150,000-500,000 kg/day.
By 2030, the estimated total green hydrogen production in the UK could reach 360,000 – 1 million kg/day, depending on infrastructure development and market demand. This falls short of the 2,400,000 kg/day as per the UK Hydrogen Strategy.
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