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HYDROGEN E nsuring access to a ordable, reliable and sustainable energy is an es- sential outcome in the United King- dom's transition to a low carbon future. This requires us to make a major change in how we pro- duce, manage and use energy by 2035. Hydrogen isn't a silver bul- let but could be a substantial contribution to a system-wide approach to decarbonisation. In the new research report, Future of Energy: How to estab- lish the hydrogen economy by 2035 we explore the steps that need to be taken on the road to a hydrogen future. We identi„ ed a series of actions required to make the Arup's independent research shows how establishing a hydrogen economy could help the UK transition to a low carbon future in the most affordable and secure manner. Director Mark Neller explains. NETWORK / 26 / JUNE 2019 hydrogen economy a reality in the UK and realise its bene„ ts, including: 1. Action is needed nowˆ– there is a window of opportunity for the UK to bene„ t from leading and there are low re- gret decisions which should be taken today 2. Joined-up approachˆ– a cen- trally coordinated initiative is needed involving multiple government departments and all sectors of the supply chain 3. Policy and market designˆ– government and industry must collaborate to design innovative market structures that give taxpayer value and reduce industry risk. Our research considered that and solar. Whilst the renewable electricity price has fallen to near subsidy free, hydrogen could be a key enabler to decar- bonise the remainder. Electricity currently only provides for 1/6 of UK's energy demand. Transport is 1/3 and heating in industry and build- ings the remaining 1/2. Fossil fuels still provide 80 per cent of our energy. What has been achieved so far, whilst substan- tial and an example to other governments, demonstrates that there is still a considerable way to go. ˆThe electricity network and decentralised generation undoubtedly have a substantial role to play in decarbonisation. There are challenges with rely- ing solely on renewable electric- ity to provide all of our energy needs by 2050 but hydrogen can be an e ective companion. Some factors to consider: 1. Existing buildings – over 20m existing UK homes rely on gas for heating, hot water and cooking. Consumers like the comfort and convenience 2. Heavy industry – much of heavy industry continues to rely on fossil fuels as a feed- stock or for providing high temperatures 3. Transport – electric vehicles will add additional demands, in tandem with the electricity system, hydrogen helps to address the heavy-duty end of the transport spectrum and can provide an alterna- tive option to help overcome the current range and charge time constraints of batteries. So how can hydrogen act as an opportunity for heating homes? At peak times, the UK's gas net- work can move six times more energy than the electricity net- work. It contains large volumes of storage and is very e– cient and resilient with few un- planned interruptions to supply. It makes sense to reuse as much of this existing infrastructure as possible. But there is a need to stop using methane, which pro- duces carbon dioxide and water ONSHORE RENEWABLES PRESSURE REDUCTION STATION ELECTROLYSERS SMALL MODULAR NUCLEAR REACTORS SUBSTATION OFFSHORE WIND POWER GENERATION E.G. GAS TURBINES AND FUEL CELLS SHORT TERM STORAGE INTER-SEASONAL STORAGE (UNDERGROUND CAVERNS) METHANE REFORMER OTHER SOURCES OF HYDROGEN (E.G. COAL GASIFICATION) CARBON SEQUESTRATION NATURAL GAS EXTRACTION HYDROGEN FOR INDUSTRY/ HYDROGEN FROM INDUSTRY HYDROGEN FOR HEATING HYDROGEN FOR COOKING HYDROGEN FOR POWER LOW PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK TRANSMISSION NETWORK CCS TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE EXISTING METHANE TRANSMISSION NETWORK GAS PEAKING PLANT/ POWER GENERATION TIDAL LAGOON HYDROGEN FOR TRANSPORT HYDROGEN FOR MATERIAL HANDLING HYDROGEN FOR EXPORT The road to a hydrogen future any solution to decarbonising the UK's energy system needs to be considered from four perspectives: 1. Engineering – it needs to be technically possible 2. Economic – it needs to be af- fordable, investible and costs must be shared equitably 3. Delivery – it needs to be deliverable within the time required 4. People and behaviours – it needs to be accepted by consumers. The complementary role of electrifi cation and hydrogen So far the UK has decarbonised 30 per cent of electricity, largely through displacement of hydro- carbon generation with wind