By Richard Gwilliam, Chair, Humber Energy Board
Last week’s spending review saw good news across the energy sector including renewed funding for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and further support for hydrogen deployment. Whilst the benefits of this support will be felt across the UK, it was a particularly important moment for the Humber. The development of these technologies is not new for the country, but the notable difference this time is the identification of a prominent role for this region as a key geography to benefit from industrial decarbonisation.
In confirming backing for the Viking CCS project, the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said government investment would ‘support industrial renewal in the Humber’ creating ‘thousands of highly skilled jobs at good wages to build Britain’s clean energy future’. The announcements on CCS were quickly followed by a £500m boost for hydrogen which identified the Humber as a key recipient. After years of careful planning, partnership building, and an awful lot of perseverance, it was a welcome sign that national policy is beginning to align with regional ambition.
As the UK’s most carbon-intensive industrial cluster, the Humber has a vital role to play in delivering net zero. But we’ve always seen this as more than an obligation; it’s an opportunity – to drive innovation, attract investment, and create long-term, high-quality jobs. The confirmation of support for CCS infrastructure will enable a network that captures emissions from key industrial emitters and safely stores them, safeguarding existing industry while laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more competitive future. Alongside CCS, the hydrogen measures announced will help unlock the low-carbon fuel switching needed to decarbonise large-scale manufacturing, refining and transport across the region.
These two technologies – CCS and hydrogen – are central to the Humber’s decarbonisation strategy. Their potential is only realised, however, when underpinned by collaboration, long-term planning, and clear delivery mechanisms. That’s where the Humber Energy Board has played a critical role.
Since its formation, the Board has worked to bring structure, clarity and common purpose to what could otherwise be a fragmented picture across the region. We’ve built strong alignment between industry, local authorities, academia, key regional institutions and critically our region’s MPs. And we’ve created a shared roadmap for decarbonisation that reflects both the scale of the challenge and the scale of the prize. The foundation we have prepared supports effective engagement with government and enables them to point to the Humber with confidence that with the right support, the region can deliver.
It finally feels as though that message has landed. After two years of uncertainty, the mood across the region has lifted. There’s now real confidence that our consistent advocacy – that decarbonisation and economic growth go hand in hand – is being heard in Westminster. These announcements mark a step change in how government sees the Humber’s role in the net zero transition. We hope that same clarity continues to inform the forthcoming Industrial Strategy, which could further embed the Humber at the heart of the UK’s clean growth mission.
But momentum alone is not enough. The coming months are critical. Now is the time to turn promises into progress – to push forward with deployment, build out critical infrastructure, and ensure communities across the Humber see the benefits of clean growth. The Energy Board will continue to act as a strategic convenor and delivery partner – championing the region, coordinating efforts, and ensuring no opportunities are missed.
The Humber has the infrastructure, the industrial base, the people, and the will to lead. With the right support and continued collaboration, we can – and will – create a success story for the region and the country alike.