Opinion
Calls for investment in hydrogen
Jo Bamford, who owns hydrogen energy producer Ryse Hydrogen and Northern Ireland-based bus company Wrightbus, has been pushing for investment in the technology to help get the hydrogen economy moving.
“The time is now to invest in hydrogen and make the UK a leader in the technology, and I applaud Policy Exchange on its findings,” said Mr Bamford.
“I am fully committed and have invested heavily in providing not only thousands of hydrogen buses to the streets of cities and towns, but also to building a strong hydrogen infrastructure across the UK. This will help kickstart the UK’s hydrogen economy, which has the potential to create a quarter of a million green jobs.
“There are no limits to hydrogen. The UK’s hydrogen economy starts with buses today but can be used in other heavy and large vehicles, like lorries, trains and ships, but after that it could be heating our homes, powering heavy industry. In order to get there, we are going to need a clear policy framework from the Government to allow business to invest – we need a UK-wide hydrogen strategy. If we don’t get that soon, then we are going to get left behind and lose out.”
The report from Policy Exchange says that green hydrogen projects offer the most immediate infrastructure investment opportunities and that the Government could replicate the All-Electric Bus Town scheme for hydrogen, which would support the UK’s developing hydrogen bus manufacturing sector.
Jo Bamford has also applauded Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who revealed his plans for Hydrogen Bus Town at the Transport Select Committee.
Mr Bamford said; “We’re delighted that the Secretary of State shares our vision and belief that the UK can lead the world in hydrogen technology.
“The Secretary of State’s leadership and support can kick the hydrogen economy into full swing and will be a much needed shot in the arm for UK jobs and the UK economy. We stand ready to work with authorities looking to become the first ever hydrogen bus town.”
The July issue of Fuel Oil News magazine considers the role of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for transport. Subscribe here to make sure you receive your copy.