Victrex plc, an innovative world leader in high performance polymer solutions, delivering sustainable products which support CO2 reduction and bring environmental and societal benefit, is today calling for the UK government to help support access to future hydrogen networks, which will be vital in helping companies and the UK to achieve climate change goals.
Victrex, which has its global headquarters in Thornton-Cleveleys, UK, wants to tap into UK hydrogen networks to support a 2030 carbon net zero goal. Access to hydrogen could help provide a competitive advantage as Victrex is a major UK exporter (98% of sales non-UK) serving household names in Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Energy & Industrial and Medical end markets.
Several hydrogen clusters are already being proposed in the UK including one in Cheshire, but with no links to major Chemical and Defence industry companies in parts of Lancashire.
Victrex is asking for:
• UK government to ensure that hi-tech industries such as Chemicals are able to access hydrogen networks
• For greater collaboration between those involved in developing future hydrogen clusters around the UK to ensure key industries are not left behind
• For a way to utilise alternative fuels such as hydrogen that manufacturing industries can consider in their future investment plan
Jakob Sigurdsson, Chief Executive of Victrex, said: “For companies like Victrex, and others in the wider Chemicals and manufacturing sectors, access to alternative fuels like hydrogen will be needed in order to support future carbon reduction plans – plans which are vital to the UK government’s own climate change targets.
“Hi-tech industries like Chemicals have a key role to play not just in the UK, but as global organisations. It is important to be able to inform our global customers about continuing progress on our Sustainability agenda, including the potential to use hydrogen as a fuel source.
“We’ve explained to ministers that a number of key industries in the UK like Chemicals and Defence could be left behind unless they are able to access future hydrogen grids. It’s vital that we can utilise alternative fuels and can start to consider their potential in our own investment plans before grids are developed.”
Victrex plc:
Andrew Hanson, Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
+44 (0) 1253 898121 / + 44 (0) 7809 595831
Melanie Embery, Head of Marketing Communications, + 44 (0) 1253 898000
Victrex Media Contact
Melanie Embery, Head of Marketing Communications
media@victrex.com, Tel. + 44 1 253 898 020
Corporate, Financial Media or Investor Relations Enquiries
Andrew Hanson, Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
ahanson@victrex.com, Tel. +44 1253 898 121