Household energy bills will rise by approximately £120 per year to fund the development of hydrogen gas as part of the government’s net zero agenda.
Between 2030 and 2040, the programme to manufacture low-carbon hydrogen is expected to cost £3.5 billion per year. According to reports, the costs could be added to home bills beginning in 2025, thanks to provisions in the new Energy Bill.
This will be in addition to subsidies for other forms of green energy, such as wind farms. However, the plan is expected to be challenged in the House of Commons, with as many as 50 MPs opposing it. It is part of the government’s efforts to reach its 2050 goal of net zero carbon emissions.
It comes as scientists predict that during the next five years, the global average temperature will rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), there is a 66% possibility that this temperature will be recorded at least once between now and 2027, which would be the first time in human history.
The WMO also predicted that the hottest year on record will be broken during that period. Following the publication of the study, the Green Party urged the UK government to cease all fossil fuel projects immediately.