Hydrogen could be major driver of new jobs and skills in Derby

A new study has found that hydrogen could be a major driver for new jobs and skills in Derby.

Last year, Derby City Council set out its aim to become the UK’s centre of excellence for future fuel technologies, using the city’s advanced manufacturing expertise to revolutionise the way low-carbon energy is used to power businesses, transport and homes.

It commissioned consultancy Arup to study the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for the region and to set out a roadmap of how that could become a reality.

Its findings, which have now been published, show that, if brought together, the city’s assets would make hydrogen not only a practical low carbon energy source but also a driver for new jobs and skills for the city and beyond.

City council leader, Councillor Chris Poulter, said: “When we started talking about future fuels last year, I knew that it was the right approach but that we needed to do something tangible quickly – so we agreed to look seriously at hydrogen.

“What Arup has found certainly exceeds my expectations and I am very keen that we come together across the region and sectors to make this happen.”

Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a viable and low carbon future fuel that can help the UK meet its net zero commitments by 2050.

Arup’s report, called ‘Establishing a Regional Hydrogen Roadmap in Derby and the Wider Region’, looked at production, distribution and storage, heating, transport, industry and jobs, skills and research.

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It recommends the establishment of a taskforce to create pace and greater co-ordination, as well as a strong single voice to investors and government.

In response, the city council and Arup are working with the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to establish that taskforce.

Those interested in being part of it – and who have an interest in bringing hydrogen to the region – are being asked to get involved.

They are being asked to read the report and give feedback. This feedback will then be added to the report, creating a pipeline of ongoing schemes and projects that will show the city’s seriousness in delivering the roadmap.

The final report and taskforce will then be launched at a mass event in early autumn before COP26 in November.

Councillor Poulter said: “We know there are many other areas already installing the infrastructure for hydrogen, but this is not a competition.

“Hydrogen will become one of many new sources of low carbon energy that will be deployed across the UK as we move on from oil and gas.

“This study shows our region has unique assets that position it perfectly to be at the forefront of the change.”

Elizabeth Fagan, chair of the D2N2 LEP, said: “The work that Arup has produced adds to the growing reputation we have in energy innovation and creativity.

“It gives us further confirmation that we are a region to be reckoned with, and that we have the sophistication and ambition to bring forward a mixed energy economy that will shape the future and attract investment and jobs.

“I look forward to working with Derby and all the key players to kick start the taskforce and unlock the expertise, the creativity and the political backing to make our move to zero-carbon a reality.”

Mark Neller, director at Arup, said: “It is apparent that if everyone could jump together, there would be a powerful case for accelerating hydrogen adoption in the region.

“We estimate the potential for over 30,000 jobs related to industries which currently burn hydrocarbons, to be decarbonised through the introduction of hydrogen.

“It would also have a significant impact on both retaining and upskilling the region’s substantial workforce and supply chain in its productive advanced manufacturing, engineering, and energy sectors – and our conservative estimate is for at least 800 new jobs in the D2N2 area by 2030.

“We look forward to hearing what partners think about the report and how we can use it together to really drive this forward.”

To read the report click here.