A report by Humber Hydrogen and More in Common found residents in Yorkshire and the Humber see clean energy investment as an opportunity to create jobs and support economic renewal following the decline of traditional industries.
The research found 61% of residents believe government investment in cleaner energy generation locally would be beneficial, despite only 41% supporting the UK’s net zero target.
Support for the Humber Hydrogen project increased to around five times the level of opposition after residents were given information about the plans.
The hydrogen cluster could support more than 54,000 jobs during construction and generate £17 billion in economic growth.
The project could also support up to 4,000 jobs in industries including steel and chemicals and support 700 apprenticeships.
Humber Hydrogen is calling on the Government to open the competition for the country’s first hydrogen network at the Autumn Budget, warning delays could affect investment and employment.
