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Thirty companies in the Humber region are urging the UK government to commit to £500m in funding for a hydrogen transport and storage network. This funding is essential to connect hydrogen producers and end-users, potentially preventing further industrial facility closures.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is expected to initiate a selection process for an industrial region to receive this investment. The Humber has experienced significant industrial setbacks, including the closure of a bioethanol plant and refinery.

Key players like Equinor, SSE Thermal, and Centrica are proposing the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline (HHP), which would link various hydrogen projects, including a planned 1GW blue hydrogen plant. The region faces competition from other UK areas, such as Teesside and Grangemouth, also pursuing clean hydrogen initiatives. The future of industrial competitiveness in the Humber hinges on the affordability of hydrogen compared to natural gas and government support.