The UK Hydrogen Energy Association’s Annual Conference brought together the UK hydrogen sector to discuss its progress, challenges, and the transition from potential to realisation.
The conversation around the UK’s hydrogen sector has shifted. What was once a discussion on whether hydrogen would play a role in the UK’s energy future has turned into a question of practical implementation to deliver quickly and meet ever-increasing demand. On 9 July 2026, the UK Hydrogen Energy Association convened its Annual Conference, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, customers, and investors to underscore the need for policy consistency and continued investment in hydrogen initiatives. The conference highlighted a shared understanding that the UK hydrogen industry is not merely a sector seeking funding, but a strategic opportunity for the UK to enhance energy security, foster economic development, and achieve its long-term climate goals.
The Innovation Platform attended the conference to learn about the latest developments in the hydrogen energy industry, as well as the work needed to maintain momentum and deliver the sector’s full potential.
A unified call for policy continuity
Dr Emma Guthrie, Chief Executive of the Hydrogen Energy Association, noted how “recent geopolitical events remind us how closely energy security, industrial resilience and decarbonisation are linked.”
At the conference, held shortly after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation, a clear consensus emerged, urging the Government to ensure political shifts do not disrupt investment confidence or delay the deployment of hydrogen projects already in progress. Guthrie articulated this sentiment when she stated: “The sector is asking for continuity, confidence and the timely decisions needed to unlock private investment.”
Keynote insights from Minister Shanks
The conference brought together influential figures, including Energy Minister Michael Shanks, who began by recognising the importance of the sector in addressing challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and the UK’s historical reliance on fossil fuels. He highlighted the necessity of collaboration between government and industry to realise the potential of hydrogen in ensuring national energy security and stimulating economic growth, noting that, “the uncertain world now calls for us to go further and faster, requiring the collaboration of every sector and technology.”
Shanks addressed the delay in publishing the hydrogen strategy, but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the strategy and to growing the UK hydrogen sector in general. He continued, “We are committed not just to publishing the strategy, but also to delivering the associated work as quickly as possible.”
A key theme of the Minister’s speech was the importance of a cleaner homegrown and secure energy system, in which hydrogen will be crucial. Minister Shanks said the government had a “clearer understanding of where hydrogen will play its most important role”, in offering energy security and economic growth.
In the wake of one of the hottest summers the UK has experienced, the Minister warned that it could also be “one of the coldest summers the country will ever experience.” The political landscape around climate action is becoming increasingly divided, with Minister Shanks speaking of the need for the communication strategy to adapt in order to highlight the urgency of addressing climate change and the benefits of investing in energy security for jobs and communities.
The Minister also showcased successful initiatives such as the £86m investment in ITM’s hydrogen electrolyser expansion in Sheffield, and the low-carbon hydrogen production in Milford Haven. He stressed the importance of collaboration between government and industry, and encouraged continued engagement to shape future projects and progress. Stating “clarity and confidence are what you need most”, Minister Shanks reassured those in attendance of the government’s firm commitment to decarbonising the power system by 2050. He concluded by urging the sector to challenge and shape policy, believing “the biggest factor in moving this industry forward is confidence in what has already been delivered, championed to those who are still unconvinced.”
Moving beyond pilot projects
A key theme among speakers throughout the conference was a consensus that the industry is ready for its next phase, shifting from potential to delivery. Several Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) projects have reached Final Investment Decision, and the sector is now facing growing demand across a variety of sectors. The conference showcased the organisations that are already considering and executing ways to deploy hydrogen commercially and deliver at scale.
The UK hydrogen industry’s journey has been far from easy or straightforward, with periods of excitement followed by slower progress. Nevertheless, a highlight of Guthrie’s opening remarks was her praise for the sector’s persistence amid shifting markets, complex investment decisions, and other industry challenges.
Collaborating for progress
Dr Guthrie highlighted that it’s not about technologies competing with each other, but building an integrated energy system that plays to the strength of each industry and organisation. She noted, “electrification will contribute towards heavy lifting, but hydrogen, and molecules more broadly, along with other derivatives of hydrogen, will be essential for industry, for heavy transport, for long-duration energy storage, and for flexibility.
The importance of events like this cannot be overstated. They unite collaborators from across the supply chain in a dedicated space that can not only identify and highlight the challenges the industry faces, but also celebrate its progress and growth as well as showcase the work driving the sector forward. Dr Guthrie made an insightful point that, “while the sessions on the stage matter, the real value of conferences like this is often found in the conversations over coffee, in the introductions that weren’t planned but turn into something long-term. None of this happens in isolation, and no single organisation can deliver a hydrogen economy alone. It truly depends on partnerships across technologies, across industries, and increasingly across sectors.”
Please note, this article will also appear in the 27th edition of our quarterly publication.
