Fresh advice has been issued on making hydrogen from water using electrolysis
The Environment Agency has published guidance on emerging methods for making hydrogen from water using electrolysis.
The advice, created with input from the industry and regulators, will help companies plan and build industrial facilities for making green hydrogen, which is an important part of the UK’s hydrogen strategy.
Companies in England wanting to produce hydrogen will need an environmental permit from the Environment Agency. The guidance will help them meet strict requirements to protect the environment and communities before getting a permit.
Georgina Collins, Director of Regulated Industry at the Environment Agency, said:
“As the UK works towards its Net Zero goals, the Environment Agency understands the importance of providing clear guidance for new energy technologies.“
“As the environmental regulator, our job is to ensure that hydrogen production is done 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 achieve climate objectives.“
The guidance from the EA helps companies understand the risks that need to be managed and describes the available techniques for preventing or reducing emissions and environmental impacts.
As well as giving advice to operators about permits, the guidance provides insight to the public on how environmental regulations and standards are being used to protect communities from the risk of harm.
Hydrogen is a fuel that could be widely used in the future to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, industry, and electricity generation. When used in a fuel cell, the only byproduct is water.
Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen created using electricity from renewable energy sources. This advice applies to all new methods of hydrogen production through water electrolysis.
This comes after the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced support for 11 major projects to create green hydrogen in December.
