The Thames Estuary Growth Board has launched their Hydrogen Route Map, identifying supply, demand, distribution and storage opportunities to promote the growth of hydrogen energy in the UK.

The Growth Board claims that the Route Map will support 9,000 jobs and deliver over three billion pounds in value to the UK economy by the year 2035. On a national level, the plan would see reductions in carbon emissions of up to 5.9 million tons per year, pushing the UK closer to its goal of reaching net zero.

The Estuary region is recognized an important economic hub, playing host to a number of industries, including transport, data, industrial and heating.

The shift to hydrogen energy will also help to improve air quality in the region. Hydrogen is an abundant, non-toxic resource that lacks the harmful waste products of conventional energy production methods.

“We are proud and excited to launch The Thames Estuary Hydrogen Route Map,” said Kate Willard OBE, Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board.

“Through our Green Blue vision, our objective is to unlock £190bn of national growth potential by capitalising upon the unique built and natural assets of the Thames Estuary.

“The Growth Board works tirelessly to identify and catalyse new opportunities to create the cleanest and greenest river-side region anywhere on the planet.

The Hydrogen Route Map was developed by the independent companies Ikigai and DNV, commissioned by the Growth Board in 2020. According to the Growth Board, the Route Map shows a clear demand for hydrogen power in the region.

Ms. Willard continued: “Over the past six months, we have looked across the Estuary to understand the needs and opportunities and articulate the scope for a hydrogen ecosystem which is compelling and capable of attracting multi-billion-pound investment.

“A hydrogen ecosystem in the Estuary will have far-reaching, positive implications not only for the region, but for the UK as a whole.”