Jacobs and WSP join North West Hydrogen Alliance

Jacobs and WSP are the latest major private sector companies to join the North West Hydrogen Alliance, the regional body made up of some of the most influential organisations involved in the development of a hydrogen economy in the UK.

The move recognises the major opportunity of hydrogen and the role that it will play in reaching net zero in the UK. It follows significant commitments by the government, including doubling the hydrogen production target to 10GW by 2030 and the appointment of a national hydrogen champion in Jane Toogood.

With significant hydrogen production and transportation projects planned in the north-west, the region’s engineering consultancies will play a pivotal role in the design, assessment and construction of new infrastructure. Their services and skills will aid delivery of hydrogen-related projects, from electrolysers and carbon capture schemes, to the development of hydrogen derived from nuclear.

Greg Willetts, vice-president, technology & cyber, Jacobs, said: “Joining the NWHA will enhance our ability to promote hydrogen related development, including the potentially key role of ‘nuclear-derived hydrogen’ in the UK’s newly increased ambition to deliver 10 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030. It also means that, alongside other members, we can help shape and influence our journey to a more connected, sustainable world.”

Chris Nunn, director, land & planning at WSP, said: “The north-west is at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise UK industry and projects such as HyNet and the Hydrogen Village are playing a vital role in developing our hydrogen economy.

“The NWHA is providing an important forum to both promote and support these initiatives, and through our membership we’re excited to play a part in realising the opportunity hydrogen provides to reach net zero in the UK by 2050.”

Jacobs and WSP join the impressive roster of Alliance organisations aiming to secure sustained investment in the north-west.

Professor Joe Howe, chair of the NWHA and executive director, Energy Research Institute at the University of Chester, said: “It’s a massive deal for Jacobs and WSP, two of the most respected professional services practices in the region, to throw their weight behind the region’s hydrogen future. They see the opportunity not only for their businesses, but for the north-west’s green economy. 

“Both are actively involved in the design, delivery and consenting of hydrogen projects and will bring further technical firepower to the Alliance and the recommendations we make to regional and national government about the smooth rollout of key technologies.”

With a strong commitment to decarbonising industry and hitting net zero targets, the Alliance advances the case for delivery of a full-system hydrogen economy in the north-west of England. 

Click here to download a roadmap to net zero for the region, with hydrogen playing a central role in the region’s industrial decarbonisation strategy.