The UK and Scottish Governments arrived at their respective 10GW and 5GW by 2030 low carbon hydrogen production targets independently of each other, and “we are unclear how the two targets align and whether either is achievable,” the report states.
“Clarity on this is vitally important given the targets must be reached in just seven years’ time,” it notes.
“We recommend that both UK and Scottish Governments set such interim targets for hydrogen production, beyond 2030, to reach its Net Zero targets planned for 2050. In particular, we recommend the Scottish Government expedite their interim target setting due to the more pressing deadline they set of 2045.”
Timely decision making will also mean Scotland and the rest of the UK do not get left behind with technology development and hydrogen production when compared to other countries’ hydrogen sectors, it adds.
Both governments also need to work closer in other areas such as Green Freeports and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS). “Both the UK and Scottish Governments should work together to realise this potential and the opportunities for Scotland,” it notes. “Scotland and the rest of the UK will not be able to deliver on their net zero commitments without CCUS.”
Pete Wishart MP, Scottish Affairs Committee Chair, said Net zero is “a pipe dream” without effective carbon capture technology.
He said, “While it’s reassuring that the UK Government agrees that more effective and coordinated action is required between the UK and the Scottish Governments, both Governments need to work more effectively and constructively with industry.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has thrown the UK’s energy security into focus, making it clear more needs to be done to build robust storage for hydrogen in Scotland.”
The Committee’s report included the following key conclusions and recommendations:
- UK and Scottish Governments work together to meet the targets set on hydrogen production and include interim targets
- The UK Government should make timely decisions about Track-2 cluster sequencing
- The UK Government should accelerate the deployment of carbon capture technologies across Scotland
- The export of hydrogen should be being explored at pace to ensure that the UK does not get left behind international developments
- The storage of hydrogen is prioritised and it is deemed a national asset as it can assist in the energy security of the whole of the UK
- The UK and Scottish Governments work together on ensuring the skills are in place for establishing a strong hydrogen economy
- Hydrogen ready boilers should be mandated by the end of the next Parliamentary session