Written question WQ96148
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What support is the Welsh Government providing to accelerate hydrogen infrastructure and production in Wales, particularly in the Haven Waterway?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
We are currently consulting on our preferred hydrogen policy which has been drafted to provide clarity for industry, developers, investors, and planning authorities in Wales. The policy makes clear the importance of hydrogen in the transition away from fossil fuels, and encourages investment in innovative hydrogen projects that support sustainable decarbonisation.
Welsh Government has published multiple reports designed to outline our support for sustainable low carbon hydrogen, to facilitate and encourage both academia and industry exploring and investing in the necessary infrastructure. In July 2023 we produced the Future Energy Grids for Wales report, which outlines a comprehensive approach to modernising energy infrastructure in Wales which includes hydrogen.
On 18 March I was delighted to attend the launch of the Milford Haven CO2 Project at the Senedd sponsored by yourself. The project, led by RWE and Dragon LNG, aims to capture CO2 from the RWE plant for transport to a permanent offshore storage location. We continue to work closely with developers such as RWE and Dragon LNG to understand fully their decarbonisation plans and associated infrastructure requirements, to ensure both network operators and UK Government are aware of the strategic importance of developing decarbonising infrastructure in South Wales. I am pleased that RWE has been shortlisted for the recent UK Government Hydrogen Allocation Round 2.