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Potential for a Hydrogen Village

24 May 2022

Lead MP

Justin Madders
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Lab

Responding Minister

George Freeman

Tags

EmploymentClimateEnergyStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 4882
Other Contributors: 3

At a Glance

Justin Madders raised concerns about potential for a hydrogen village in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The MP asks the government to consider boiler manufacturers' commitment to selling hydrogen-ready boilers at current natural gas boiler prices without additional cost. He also inquires if more support is needed for hydrogen villages and suggests advancing two schemes rather than one to double learning opportunities.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Opened the debate
The Member is concerned about the transition to a hydrogen-based economy in his constituency, highlighting the need for industrial clusters like HyNet. He points out that Whitby in Ellesmere Port has been identified as an ideal location for a hydrogen village programme, with potential carbon capture of up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The Member expresses worries about ensuring public consent and addressing residents' questions regarding costs, safety, and disruption.

Government Response

George Freeman
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Bardell. I thank the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Justin Madders) and congratulate him on securing this debate. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Jacob Young) for making some powerful points. We are on the cusp of an exciting opportunity for the hydrogen economy, and the pilot is about making sure that we get the infrastructure right to roll it out across the country. The Government's key commitment is to double our ambition of low-carbon hydrogen production to 10 GW by 2030 as part of the green industrial revolution plan. This includes supporting industry to deliver a neighbourhood trial in Fife, supplying hydrogen to around 300 homes, and a village-scale trial converting 1,000 to 2,000 properties in Whitby or Redcar. Ofgem has published its decision to take forward two proposals for the next stage of development. We are working closely with Cadent and Northern Gas Networks on detailed plans for these trials while ensuring strong community engagement. Nobody would be forced to use hydrogen or pay extra. The Health and Safety Executive will need to confirm safety before any trial can proceed, and we are committed to additional consumer protections including transparency of information, fair treatment, and quality of service. We see blue and green hydrogen as complementary approaches rather than an either/or choice. Our decision on blending up to 20% hydrogen by volume into GB gas networks is scheduled for 2023, with blending expected to commence commercially from 2025 onwards. The consultation on hydrogen-ready boilers will be published soon, aiming to maintain current levels of gas boiler prices in the case of widespread roll-out and ensure a transition from boilers to heat pumps as part of upskilling our workforce.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.