8 May 2025
A roundtable hosted by Copper Consultancy and Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in London today brought together industry leaders and policymakers to discuss how to remove barriers and re-energise the UK’s hydrogen sector. The aim was to identify what challenges are stalling progress and what actionable solutions can be deployed.
Despite ambitious targets of 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, the UK’s hydrogen sector has stalled. The panel, which included Dr Steve Freeman, Founding Director of Renewable Energy Partners, warned that without decisive action, the UK risks losing its competitive edge. These issues are explored in the new roundtable report, “Removing Barriers to Re-energise the Hydrogen Sector.”
The report highlights that the government’s vision for hydrogen lacks clarity and coherence. While the potential of hydrogen is recognised, the sector remains “stuck in first gear.” As the report notes, “A shared, clear strategy is urgently needed to unite government, industry and communities behind a common goal.”
Another major challenge is public understanding and acceptance. Greater awareness is needed of hydrogen’s role as a strategic energy vector in the global transition. It is not a “silver bullet,” but rather a targeted solution for hard-to-abate sectors, such as steelmaking, fertiliser production, heavy transport and long-duration energy storage. Ultimately, hydrogen will play a vital role in enabling the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
According to the report, government must now sharpen its focus and accelerate support, providing greater clarity on hydrogen’s place in the UK’s energy mix. Stronger collaboration with industry and a coordinated public engagement will be key to building the confidence and enthusiasm required for a hydrogen economy.
Thank you to Rachael Davidson, Claire Fallows and Kevin Gibbs for the invitation and a meaningful discussion on shaping the future of hydrogen.
