During IGEM’s ‘Making Hydrogen Real’ Conference held on 18th October, IGEM members came together to look at how the industry can decarbonise the network and introduce hydrogen production and utilisation. The event included an address from keynote speaker Natascha Engel, Chief Executive of cross-party thinktank Palace Yard and ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, who provided an insight on the industry's response to a future hydrogen economy. Natacha Engel encouraged more involvement with local authorities and MPs, including advice on how to talk to MPs from her own experience of serving as a labour member of parliament.
IGEM spoke about their on-going work to update legislation and publish guidance to keep up with Hydrogen learnings. Currently, the IGEM/H/1 Reference Standard for low pressure hydrogen utilisation is being used as basis of the hydrogen (domestic) trials across the UK. IGEM discussed the upcoming hydrogen standards, H/2 and H/3, which will be published soon, and which are expected to cover the scope of the upstream and non-domestic utilisation.
Members from IGEM gave updates about their on-going and upcoming hydrogen projects, including steam methane reformers, and plans for hydrogen generators that can replace diesel generators. There were discussions about the challenges facing local authorities with agreeing strategies for achieving net zero, and concerns about the skills shortage amongst appropriate tradespeople in the UK that might impact the construction phases of these hydrogen projects.