The UK Government has launched a programme to support for new energy technologies with a £375-million funding package.

The package includes £240 million to support the production of hydrogen, £2.5 million of funding to develop next-generation nuclear technology, and £5 million to research carbon capture.

The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund aims to allocate funds for low carbon hydrogen production projects from the end of 2022. The government aims to have up to 2GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2025 and up to 10GW installed by 2030.

In addition, the £100-million Hydrogen Business Model will launch this summer to support further investment in electrolytic projects to cover the difference between the cost of production and the sale price for hydrogen.

For nuclear power, a competition will be launched to seek bidders to develop a UK Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR). These reactors use novel and innovative fuels, coolants, and technologies to generate high-temperature heat for industrial applications as well as for electricity to power people’s homes.

Finally, the carbon capture and storage plan will accelerate the development of the tech under the ACT 3 scheme, an international initiative between 14 countries worldwide to support the commercialisation of the technology.

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “This investment will unlock the enormous potential of hydrogen, advanced nuclear reactors and carbon capture to level up the UK energy landscape and deliver for businesses and households.

“High gas prices and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine have highlighted the urgent need to produce more of our energy here in the UK.

“That’s why we have set out bold plans to harness clean, cutting-edge, homegrown technologies and build the energy security we need for the future.”

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With the British Energy Security Strategy unveiled this week, the UK is examining how to accelerate the deployment of wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen, whilst supporting the production of domestic oil and gas in the nearer term. The strategy envisions scenarios where 95% of the country’s electricity is low carbon by 2030.

In addition to this funding, the government is also publishing a range of important documents and guidelines to support the development of these industries.

UK Government for Scotland Minister Malcolm Offord said: “Harnessing the enormous potential of low-carbon technology is at the core of our plans to bolster the UK’s domestic energy supply, for the benefit of families and businesses across the country.

“This UK Government backing will accelerate innovation in some of the most promising technologies, including the development of hydrogen energy and next-generation nuclear reactors. Funding for vital carbon capture research, including three projects in Scotland, will help us meet out ambitions for decarbonisation.”

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