- UK’s first national Hydrogen Week taking place next week, 13th-19th Feb
- Events and activities planned across the UK to celebrate the role of hydrogen in reaching net zero
- Nearly 70 supportive organisations signed up to take part
The UK’s first official Hydrogen Week kicks off on 13th February 2023, with nearly 70 supporters involved in the week-long awareness raising campaign.
It will bring together businesses, community groups, schools, universities across the nation all looking to promote the role of hydrogen in reaching net zero. It comes as the recently published Mission Zero review by Chris Skidmore MP outlined the vital role hydrogen will play in the UK’s future energy mix and the potential for the UK to be a global leader, reaping significant economic benefits.
Supporters from across the country will provide an array of events, podcasts, exhibitions, reports and education outreach incentives. Not to mention, rocket launches, virtual reality activities, science experiments and buggy racing!
Spearheaded by the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) official partners include Hydrogen UK, the Decarbonised Gas Alliance, Hydrogen South West and Hydrogen East, with SSE Thermal and Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited as official sponsors for the week.
A showcase event Delivering the Hydrogen Economy is being held in Liverpool on 14th February bringing together over 250 delegates and with speakers including Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, INOVYN, Cadent, Vertex Hydrogen and Carlton Power. Alongside workshop demonstrations by leading children’s science enrichment provider, Mad Science.
Professor Joe Howe, Chair of the NWHA and Executive Director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said: “Our vision was to bring the UK together to get behind the huge opportunity that hydrogen presents – not only in reducing carbon emissions but also driving green economic growth. It’s been absolutely fantastic to see so many organisations get behind Hydrogen Week and we’re looking forward to seeing all the activities and events take place next week, which will make a huge difference in raising awareness of hydrogen’s vital role in reaching net zero.”
Official Sponsor, Patrick Drury, Director at Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited (NVFCL), said: “NVFCL are excited to be the official sponsor for the UKs first dedicated Hydrogen week. As a company we see the benefit in supporting green industries and their efforts to meet the governments targets for Net Zero. Through the NWHA we are able to help develop a feasible roadmap for the region that can only benefit everyone right now and our children’s children.”
Official Sponsor, Helen Sanders, Head of Policy and Sustainability at SSE Thermal, said: “Hydrogen has enormous potential as an enabler of net zero which is why SSE Thermal is bringing forward projects across the hydrogen value chain, from production to storage to power generation. In 2023 we expect to see major progress made around hydrogen, from projects to policy, so it is fitting that the first UK Hydrogen Week is being held this year. It represents a tremendous opportunity to showcase the progress already made and to build further momentum around this vital technology, which will be essential to decarbonising our regions.”
Official Partner, Andy Holyland, General Manager, Hydrogen East & Net Zero East said:
“Hydrogen Week will bring together the entire hydrogen value chain from producers, distributors, and end-users to cooperate and share their best practice and leverage parallel opportunities and skills. We are keen to acknowledge the challenges of hydrogen supply and use, balanced by the vast opportunities that will further support the UK as a global low carbon hydrogen leader.”
Official Partner, Simon Earles, Chair of Hydrogen South West (HSW) said:
“Hydrogen South West (HSW) is driving the development of hydrogen infrastructure across the South West, and beyond, by generating investment for projects outside heavy industrial clusters. Our ecosystem contains the industrial experience, delivery expertise and regional knowledge to accelerate the UK’s transition to alternative power at scale.
“We are proud to be a part of Hydrogen Week, which is the ideal platform for businesses and clusters to explore both the challenges and opportunities hydrogen presents. Such forums facilitate further development of the evolving hydrogen economy – a fundamental part of delivering Net Zero.”
For more information visit hydrogenweek.co.uk and follow Hydrogen Week socials for regular updates @H2WeekUK and using the hashtag #H2Week.
