Energy & Utilities Energy and utilities UK-wide

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.

Guide summary

Get the right licences and permits before you start producing hydrogen. If you want government funding, you must meet the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard (20g CO2e per MJ). Safety rules depend on how much hydrogen you store: Hazardous Substances Consent at 2 tonnes, COMAH at 5 tonnes and 50 tonnes. All facilities must follow DSEAR rules for flammable materials.

  • Apply for Hazardous Substances Consent if storing 2+ tonnes of hydrogen
  • Register for COMAH Lower Tier if storing 5+ tonnes
  • Submit a Safety Report for COMAH Upper Tier at 50+ tonnes
  • Comply with DSEAR for all hydrogen production and storage sites
  • Get Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard certification by 2025 for HPBM funding
  • Use REGO certificates for green hydrogen to prove renewable electricity
  • Apply to NSTA for a licence if storing hydrogen offshore
  • Keep records of greenhouse gas emissions using the Hydrogen Emissions Calculator
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Related guides in Energy Efficiency

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.