Guide
Hydrogen Production Licensing and Compliance
Licensing, safety, and environmental requirements for hydrogen production facilities in the UK. Includes Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard certification, environmental permits, planning consent, COMAH compliance, and government funding through the Hydrogen Production Business Model.
Hydrogen production in the UK is governed by a multi-agency regulatory framework. Whether you're producing green hydrogen via electrolysis or blue hydrogen with carbon capture, you'll need multiple licences and permits before you can operate.
The UK government aims to achieve 10 GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, supported by revenue funding through the Hydrogen Production Business Model (HPBM).
Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard compliance
If you're applying for government support through HPBM, you must certify compliance with the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard. From 2025, certification is delivered by the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC).
Safety requirements
Hydrogen is classified as a hazardous substance due to its wide flammability range and low ignition energy. Your regulatory obligations depend on how much hydrogen you store on site.
Offshore hydrogen storage licensing
If you're planning to store hydrogen in offshore geological formations (such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or salt caverns), you'll need a licence from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).
Government funding support
The UK government provides revenue support for low carbon hydrogen production through the Hydrogen Production Business Model (HPBM). This is a contract for difference mechanism that bridges the gap between production costs and market prices.