Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to launch the allocation rounds for the Hydrogen Transport Business Model and Hydrogen Storage Business Model.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are progressing the design of the business models and the first allocation round at pace. We will award the first contracts for the Hydrogen Transport Business Model and Hydrogen Storage Business Model through the Regional Hydrogen Network competition.

Further clarity on publication timings will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Humber supporting industrial decarbonisation through the development of hydrogen infrastructure.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Humber is the UK’s largest industrial cluster and is home to a number of hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation projects, which aim to supply low-carbon hydrogen to local industrial users, supporting decarbonisation, skilled job creation and regional economic growth across the Humber region. Proposals for hydrogen infrastructure in the Humber will be able to participate in the proposed Regional Hydrogen Network when launched.

Three projects in the Humber area were shortlisted in Hydrogen Allocation Round 2. If successful, these projects will produce low-carbon hydrogen to power gas turbines and help decarbonise oil refineries and lime kilns in the Humber area.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Humber’s hydrogen production capacity on UK hydrogen targets.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Hydrogen has the potential to support decarbonisation and economic growth across the UK. The Government recognises the Humber as one of several regions that could supply, as well as benefit from, low‑carbon hydrogen production.

As part of the Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2), three projects in the Humber area were shortlisted in April 2025, specifically Aldborough Hydrogen Pathfinder, Humber H2ub, and Singleton Birch Kilns. If successful, these projects will produce low-carbon hydrogen which will power gas turbines and help to decarbonise an oil refinery and lime kiln in the Humber area, as well as generate low carbon power.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a core hydrogen network on linking hydrogen production in the Humber to other industrial clusters.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In the early hydrogen economy, we expect that most hydrogen demand will be located within our existing industrial clusters. Government is therefore prioritising the development of regional network infrastructure. Government continues to assess the economic and system benefits that could be presented by a core hydrogen network. However, determining the determining the needs case for inter-regional networks, as well as the location, scale and timing for any such networks requires further evidence.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what criteria he will use to decide the location of the UK’s first integrated hydrogen transport and storage network.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Officials are progressing the design of both the business models and the Regional Hydrogen Network competition at pace. Criteria are being developed to select the most strategically beneficial location for the first regional hydrogen network. As part of this, we expect to assess deliverability of the transport and storage projects involved, value for money, potential contribution to decarbonisation of key industrial and power sectors, and wider economic benefits such as contribution to green job creation and economic growth.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to introduce a strategy for motorcycle safety.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

By miles travelled, motorcyclists are over 40 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than someone travelling by car. That is why motorcyclist safety was included in the new Road Safety Strategy.

Although there are no plans for a separate motorcycle strategy at this time the Road Safety Strategy announced a consultation on an ambitious package of reforms to the training, testing and licensing regime for Category A moped and motorcycle licences in Great Britain. That consultation closes on May 11th.

Found: Permanent Secretary as accounting officer for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Graham Stuart