Agenda item - Hydrogen Sussex Update

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)             That the Board notes the progress of and wide interest in Hydrogen Sussex, and its launch event in February 2021.

2)             That the Board notes and supports the proposal to develop a hydrogen strategy for Greater Brighton and the wider Sussex region.

3)             That the Board provides funding of £13,696 for core activities of Hydrogen Sussex, using existing Board core funding.

4)             That the Board agrees the proposed Governance arrangements and agrees that Hydrogen Sussex report back progress every 6 months.

30.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that updated on developing a hydrogen economy locally in the previous 6 months, especially through the work of the Hydrogen Sussex group.  The report also reaffirmed the governance of Hydrogen Sussex, through the Greater Brighton Infrastructure Panel, and sought sign up of the Greater Brighton Economic Board to a proposed Hydrogen Strategy.

30.2      The Chair stated that whilst he believed some of the terminology used required additional thought, the update provided was genuinely exciting.

30.3       Councillor Walsh commented that the update was exciting however, it was important going forward that all partners be involved.

30.4      Prof Humphris welcomed the report and stressed the importance of investment in research and development locally as the science behind hydrogen energy would continue to evolve.

30.5      Councillor Mac Cafferty suggested that an approach be made to present at COP26.

30.6      RESOLVED-

1)             That the Board notes the progress of and wide interest in Hydrogen Sussex, and its launch event in February 2021.

2)             That the Board notes and supports the proposal to develop a hydrogen strategy for Greater Brighton and the wider Sussex region.

3)             That the Board provides funding of £13,696 for core activities of Hydrogen Sussex, using existing Board core funding.

4)             That the Board agrees the proposed Governance arrangements and agrees that Hydrogen Sussex report back progress every 6 months.