The Environment Agency has today (28 March) published guidance on
emerging techniques for the production of hydrogen from water
using electrolysis.
The guidance – developed in consultation with industry, other UK
regulators and other stakeholders - will help businesses design
and develop industrial facilities for the production of green
hydrogen, a low carbon energy carrier that is a key feature of
the UK’s hydrogen
strategy.
Operators wishing to produce hydrogen in England will need an
environmental permit from the Environment Agency. The guidance
will help businesses meet strict requirements that protect the
environment and communities before they are granted a permit.
Georgina Collins, Director of Regulated Industry at the
Environment Agency, said:
As the UK moves towards its Net Zero goals, the Environment
Agency recognises the importance of setting out clear guidance
for emerging energy technologies.
As the environmental regulator, our role is to ensure that
hydrogen production is conducted in a way that protects people
and the environment. This new guidance supports industry in the
sustainable and renewable production of a crucial energy source
which will help deliver on climate objectives.
The guidance published by the EA helps companies understand the
risks that must be managed and outlines the available techniques
for preventing or minimising emissions and impacts on the
environment.
As well as providing permitting advice to operators, the guidance
gives an insight to the public on how environmental regulations
and standards are being applied in order to protect communities
from risk of harm.
Hydrogen is a fuel that may be widely used in future for the
decarbonisation of transportation, industry and electricity
generation. When consumed in a fuel cell, the only product is
water.
Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using electricity from
renewable energy sources. This guidance applies to all emerging
techniques for hydrogen production via electrolysis of water.
This follows the announcement by the Department for Energy
Security and Net Zero of backing for 11 major
projects to produce green hydrogen in December.
