The Foresight Hydrogen Conference 2025 has concluded with resounding discussions and groundbreaking insights, reinforcing the UK's ambitions to become a leader in the global hydrogen economy. Over the course of several sessions, key stakeholders from across energy, mobility, industry, and policy sectors engaged in robust dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in scaling up hydrogen production and adoption.
The conference shed light on the UK’s hydrogen production landscape, particularly the nation’s ambitious 10GW production target by 2030, which remains under scrutiny as industry experts called for clearer policies and expedited project approvals. It was evident that storage and transport infrastructure will be critical in ensuring hydrogen supply chain reliability, while innovation in carbon capture, electrolysis, and modular gasification technology was deemed essential to making hydrogen a cost-effective and viable energy source.
Mobility was another focal point, with discussions underscoring the growing role of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles, aviation, and maritime applications. While the momentum for these technologies is building, the lack of robust infrastructure continues to be a significant roadblock. The call for increased investment in hydrogen refueling stations was a common theme, as industry experts emphasised the need to support fleet transitions and create a well-connected hydrogen transport ecosystem. Additionally, speakers advocated for harmonising hydrogen vehicle regulations with European standards to prevent market fragmentation and delays.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were highlighted as a vital tool in securing long-term investments and ensuring infrastructure development remains on track.
Investment in hydrogen was a recurring theme throughout the conference, with industry leaders expressing concerns about the slow pace of regulatory approvals. Compared to Germany and Sweden, the UK’s sluggish decision-making processes have been identified as a key factor delaying progress. Investors voiced the need for clearer business models and risk-sharing strategies, as many remain hesitant to commit to large-scale hydrogen projects without regulatory certainty. The issue of deindustrialisation was also raised, as there is a real risk that the UK may lose crucial industries before hydrogen adoption reaches full scale. The sentiment echoed across multiple sessions was that government, industry, and education providers must work together to ensure the UK maintains a competitive edge in the hydrogen sector.
A significant discussion also revolved around the development of a skilled hydrogen workforce, which remains a crucial factor in driving the industry forward. There was a strong consensus that hydrogen career pathways need better promotion, especially among young people and educators. Industry leaders warned of a looming retirement crisis in engineering and industrial trades, stressing the urgency for upskilling initiatives and stronger partnerships between education institutions and businesses. The challenge of making hydrogen careers appealing to younger generations was also debated, with some suggesting innovative engagement strategies such as leveraging digital platforms like TikTok and immersive VR experiences to showcase the industry in a more engaging way.
One of the strongest takeaways from the conference was the urgent need for a clearer policy framework to support investment. Experts agreed that hydrogen projects require faster approvals, better incentives, and clearer timelines to instill confidence among investors and developers. The concept of regional hydrogen hubs and refueling networks was also put forward as a strategic way to accelerate infrastructure deployment while ensuring long-term scalability.
As the conference came to a close, the overarching message was clear: the UK must act decisively to attract investment, secure demand, and develop a skilled workforce to realize its hydrogen ambitions. Industry leaders emphasised that by improving communication, policy clarity, and collaboration across sectors, the UK can establish itself as a true global leader in the hydrogen revolution.
The Foresight Hydrogen Conference 2025 has set the stage for meaningful action, leaving attendees with a strong sense of purpose and urgency. As the industry moves forward, the challenge remains in ensuring that discussions translate into tangible progress.
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