A conference focusing on harnessing hydrogen power could further help to establish East Suffolk as a major hub for energy production.
An event being held next month will examine East Suffolk’s potential to become a national centre for the generation, distribution, innovation and adoption of hydrogen.
With the event aiming to underscore the collective ambition of the private and public sector to achieve net zero, the East Suffolk Hydrogen Conference will identify and unlock any barriers limiting the development of the local hydrogen economy.
Craig Rivett, East Suffolk Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development, said: "We see a significant opportunity for East Suffolk to become a UK leader in the early development of a clean hydrogen eco-system, encompassing its production, consumption and supporting infrastructure.
"Hydrogen could play a key role in our ambitions to reach net zero targets.
"There exists a range of opportunities for clean hydrogen application, including port related activities at both Felixstowe and Lowestoft, and in the council’s own physical assets."
East Suffolk’s clean hydrogen ambitions are aligned with other major initiatives and developments, including Freeport East as well as the development of Sizewell C, and Associated British Ports’ significant outer harbour development supported by the development of the Lowestoft PowerPark.
Delivered in partnership with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and in association with the Hydrogen Sector Council, the East Suffolk Hydrogen Conference will showcase planned local hydrogen developments.
The conference will feature presentations on the national and regional perspectives of the rapidly growing hydrogen economy, followed by local development updates led by East Suffolk-based hydrogen producers and end users.
Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, will be the keynote speaker and will be joined by major energy developers and end users such as EDF, Scottish Power Renewables, Conrad Energy and Windcat Workboats.
Stephen Bolton, managing director of Windcat Workboats, said: "Given the significance of the Lowestoft region to our business and to the current and future offshore renewable sector it is critical that the hydrogen infrastructure is developed to support the sector's needs."
The event takes place from 9am to 1pm on Thursday, February 23 at the OrbisEnergy Centre, in Lowestoft.
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