New sources of low carbon energy
Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council 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 have found certainly exceeds my expectations and I am very keen that we come together across the region and sectors to make this happen.
“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.
“I want the children and young people of Derby to love their city and see their future here. I know the Council Leaders across the region share the same view for the young people in the places they represent. We want to show them we can combine our efforts to create an inspiring and sustainable future that can give them a home and career for life.”
Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair of the D2N2 LEP added: “Our vision for the region is to achieve the biggest carbon turnaround in the country. We have been working with partners across the region on low-carbon energy and investing in infrastructure for homes and businesses to switch from fossil fuels to power from sustainable sources such as wind and solar.
“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. The Midlands Engine has identified hydrogen as a key strand in its Ten Point Plan for Green Growth, and Derby will be a leader for the Midlands and beyond.
“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 – Energy Leader at Arup said: “We believe that hydrogen should be an integral part of the energy mix for the UK and so we are delighted to be asked to carry out this study. Hydrogen is one of the major systemic levers we need to move as a society and the publication of the National Hydrogen Strategy makes it an ever-increasing priority – one which the region can benefit from. It was clear very early on, in fact from the first workshop we held, that this region already had a lot of activity taking place. 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.”