Regional Energy Systems Planning (RESP)

In January 2026 EPSRC/ UKRI provided HI-ACT with additional funding to carry out research to complement the National Energy Systems Operator activities.

 

HI-ACT is working with four Regional Energy Systems Planning (RESP teams) in the North West and North East of England, Scotland and Wales to develop a place-specific approach to understanding of the different level of hydrogen technologies, their scale (and potential for scale-up), the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure such as storage, existing and future system operation asset utilisation, and flexibility.

This draws on our existing work on hydrogen supply chains and our technology roadmap research. This activity will enable us to understand the stages of deployment in these regions, i.e. a pathway to 2030/2050. It builds on our existing modelling work, enabling the development of models to support transition pathways and not just end-point scenarios.

 

A one-page summary for the four RESP regions has been developed which provides an overview of the energy supply mix, challenges, opportunities, key stakeholders, research questions and a research plan. These will develop over time, in consultation with our stakeholders.

Much of our main programme of work has a focus on the UK energy demand, and the role of hydrogen within that. However, the UK hydrogen sector has potential to build supply chains, and capture economic value, to deliver products and services to the global hydrogen market. In addition to working with the RESP teams HI-ACT is working with key industry stakeholders to investigate the hydrogen supply chain for regional hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels (HALF) development, supply chain readiness at a regional level, development of regional scenarios and risk assessment and regional deployment of HALF.

HI-ACT RESP North West Summary

Summary March 2026

HI-ACT RESP Scotland Summary

Summary March 2026

HI-ACT RESP Wales Summary

Summary March 2026

HI-ACT RESP North East Yorks Humber Summary

Summary March 2026