The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed a six-month extension to the role of Jane Toogood, chief executive/catalyst technologies at Johnson Matthey, as the UK’s first-ever hydrogen champion, Johnson Matthey says. Toogood was appointed the UK’s first hydrogen champion in July 2022.
This extension means that she will continue to provide senior strategic and expert advice to government and industry on how to accelerate the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy and kickstart production, the company says. It also demonstrates the ongoing importance of hydrogen for the country’s low-carbon energy needs, the company adds.
“Hydrogen is an essential piece of the puzzle to decarbonize UK industry, support clean growth and improve our long-term energy security. It’s great to see progress being made towards setting up a UK certification scheme – this is key to growing a low-carbon hydrogen economy,” Toogood says. “Over the next six months, my priority will be to ensure that industry and government work together to generate investment in the hydrogen economy, kickstart hydrogen production and develop a UK hydrogen supply chain,” she adds.
Confirmation of the extension was made as part of an announcement by the UK government on a new certification scheme to verify the sustainability of low-carbon hydrogen and to build transparency and confidence across the sector, Johnson Matthey says. The scheme intends to use the methodology set out in the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard as the basis of the certification.
“Johnson Matthey welcomes this new scheme as facilitating the start of technologically agnostic low-carbon hydrogen standards in the UK, providing project developers with freedom and clarity when choosing hydrogen production technology and seeking funding. This new certification will play a vital role in decarbonizing the UK hydrogen sector, promoting cross-border trade whilst stimulating growth and jobs,” Johnson Matthey says.
The UK government will begin consultation with industry with the intention of introducing the certification scheme by 2025, and Johnson Matthey says it looks forward to being part of this critical discussion.
by Sotirios Frantzanas
Source: chemweek.com
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