February 2026
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This conference focused on hydrogen policy and market development in the UK and the evolving role of hydrogen in the clean energy transition. It was an opportunity to discuss the Government’s forthcoming updated Hydrogen Strategy, expected to be published shortly, with aims of achieving 10GW low-carbon hydrogen capacity by 2030.
The discussion brought stakeholders and policymakers together to examine progress and next steps in building demand for hydrogen, and fostering the financial viability of projects as the UK moves forward with the development of hydrogen infrastructure.
Areas for discussion included delivery across industrial clusters, hydrogen transport schemes and hydrogen-to-power projects, and scaling deployment while addressing challenges for maintaining investor confidence, environmental integrity and cost efficiency.
Further discussion focused on practical delivery of 2026 milestones, including planning processes, achieving clear indications of future hydrogen demand, long-term contracts, and impacts on local and regional economies.
Policy & strategy
Delegates assessed priorities for policy and the sector following publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy: Clean Energy Sector Plan, the Hydrogen Update to the Market, and associated consultations on hydrogen business models, economic regulation, transport, infrastructure, reform to the Capacity Market, and the integration of hydrogen into existing gas networks.
The conference also assessed potential opportunities in the Government’s Infrastructure Strategy and £500m commitment for hydrogen transport and storage networks.
Planning, funding & growth
Implementation strategy and funding arrangements were considered, alongside what will be needed to support investor confidence and accelerate projects from planning into delivery. Areas for discussion included coordination on finance, responsibilities and schedules, as well as alignment of project plans with Hydrogen Allocation Round 2, and forthcoming transport and storage allocation rounds.
The agenda also looked at insights emerging from Hydrogen Allocation Round 1, the shortlist and due-diligence phase, alongside progress towards Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreements, including design and terms, strike price and delivery obligations.
Technology pathways were assessed, particularly green and blue hydrogen options and what delivery mechanisms are needed to ensure successful and timely delivery, with discussion on measures set out in the 2025 Autumn Budget for green hydrogen, approaches to address cost concerns, surrounding emissions, and reliance on renewables versus carbon capture, as well as greenwashing and carbon-accounting challenges.
We also expected discussion to reflect concerns around UK and overseas markets, considering how the UK can maintain global competitiveness in the industry and promote international trade.
Networks, regulation & market design
Attendees considered the Government’s plans for the hydrogen economic regulatory framework, which will be adapted from the existing gas framework, drawing on issues highlighted from DESNZ’s recent consultation. Business models such as a potential Regulated Asset Base were discussed, alongside plans to introduce a Hydrogen Network Code, looking also at balancing responsibility allocation.
Sessions addressed supply and demand challenges in early-stage market development, following multiple hydrogen projects being reduced in scope or cancelled, such as the recent cancellation of the H2Teeside project. Delegates assessed priorities for the design, location and delivery of hydrogen pipelines for transport and storage, taking into account current and future industrial activity to ensure a secure consumer base.
The financial framework was examined, alongside infrastructure issues such as storage capacity and the integration of hydrogen into power generation.
Practical applications, skills development
Further sessions examined implementation priorities across production, transport and end-use, as well as latest thinking on hydrogen’s role in home heating. Industrial decarbonisation priorities for sectors were examined, including for steel, chemicals, glass and ceramics, alongside hydrogen use in heavy transport through the Zero Emission HGV programme.
Skills and supply-chain capacity for scaling hydrogen deployment were assessed, following publication of DESNZ’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, which set out £400k in funding for the development of a Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Skills Accelerator, as well as the recently published North Sea Future Plan setting out plans for introduction of a North Sea Jobs Service in 2026.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those who attended include parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament and officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, NI; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; Department for Transport; Department for Business and Trade; HM Treasury; Climate Change Committee; Ministry of Defence; Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology; National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority; Environment Agency; Department for the Economy, NI; Office for National Statistics; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Great British Energy; Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology; National Wealth Fund; Office for Investment; Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, ROI; and the Welsh Government.
