HyDEX has launched a new toolkit to help Local Authorities gain a better understanding of the potential of hydrogen and how it can be used to support their net-zero ambitions.
Achieving Net Zero is a challenge that requires action across all areas of the country. While international climate negotiations and national emissions targets may dominate the headlines, many of the decisions taking the UK towards Net Zero will be taken at the local level, in City and County Halls, by devolved administrations, and by local partnerships that aim to enable behaviour change in their communities.
In particular, the successful transition to more sustainable sources of energy depends on forward-thinking local decision makers with the vision and the will to invest in the skills, infrastructure and industrial partnerships needed to make it a reality. However, in a highly complex technical area, it can be difficult for such local leaders to be sure they are acting with the best information and evidence.
Chris Sims, Deputy Director for Policy Engagement at the University of Nottingham, who leads HyDEX’s policy engagement group, said: “At HyDEX we believe that the development of a Hydrogen-based economy is a crucial building block of our greener future. We’re also aware that understanding the potential and limitations of Hydrogen, and how it can best support local authorities’ net zero ambitions, can be a challenge. We see it as our responsibility to help build knowledge about this crucial technological area, to support our region’s journey towards sustainability.”
HyDEX’s toolkit has been developed specifically for local leaders – both in Local Authorities and elsewhere – to guide their decisions and clarify some of the myths and misunderstandings about Hydrogen. It provides a short, accessible introduction oriented towards policy decision making.
Chris Sims added: “We hope the guide provides an effective basis for local leaders to incorporate Hydrogen into their plans for green growth, and we would be delighted to follow up with anyone who wants to explore any of the topics in more detail.”
Take a look at the HyDEX hydrogen toolkit on www.hydex.ac.uk/toolkit
For more information about the HyDEX toolkit email Nick King, Marketing and Communications Manager at Nick.King@era.ac.uk
