Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and could play a significant role in the transition to a low-carbon renewable energy system, while also making sure everyone has access to the energy they need today.
Shell UK sees opportunity for hydrogen use in a number of areas
Transport
Hydrogen has the potential to be an important, safe, low-carbon transport fuel, particularly for heavy-duty transport such as trucks and buses.
In hydrogen vehicles, energy is stored as compressed hydrogen fuel. This means that these vehicles can drive up to 700 km without refuelling and take only a few minutes to refuel.
Hydrogen vehicles also produce no greenhouse gases from the exhaust pipe – the only emission is water vapour. And when renewable electricity is used to make the hydrogen, then the process of driving a hydrogen powered vehicle is nearly emission-free.
Shell continues to develop hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles in the UK, with an aim to build out a future network that meets the needs of customers.
Industry
Some industries have started to use hydrogen as a feedstock, or fuel, to power processes. And when the hydrogen is produced cleanly it can lower the carbon emissions of the industrial process.
Shell UK is currently exploring several low-carbon energy initiatives across the UK that aim to increase the production of clean hydrogen, particularly for use in industry. This includes the Acorn CCS Project in Scotland, of which Shell is Technical Developer, in partnership with Storegga, Harbour, and NSMP. Acorn aims to provide carbon capture and storage (CCS) and blue hydrogen infrastructure to help decarbonise industry in Scotland.
Working towards a hydrogen future
Effective UK Government policies and support to develop infrastructure and build customer demand are essential for making hydrogen a viable form of energy. That is why Shell UK is involved in several initiatives that aim to support the UK Government:
The Hydrogen Advisory Council, which the Government launched in July 2020 to explore and advance the development of hydrogen as a decarbonised energy carrier for the UK. Their work contributed to the government’s UK Hydrogen Strategy that was published in August 2021.
Shell is part of a consortium that conducted a feasibility study for a proposed green hydrogen hub focused on decarbonising the Thames Estuary. In September 2021 the project, known as HOST (Hydrogen and Oxygen South Thames), received support from the Department for Transport Clean Maritime Demonstration Fund. The project aims to demonstrate the potential for hydrogen to decarbonise maritime transport and the wider energy system.
Would you like to learn more about our global hydrogen projects?
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