Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:30 pm on 15 November 2022.
Thank you, First Minister. Despite all the interest surrounding the potential for hydrogen to become a major game changer in decarbonising the automotive industry, we are at present yet to see any real evidence of this on our roads. I, like many here, I'm sure, believe that there's a huge opportunity for green hydrogen to become a major part of the solution in decarbonising the automotive industry, especially because it eliminates some of the reasoning people use not to change to electric vehicles. If this Government is serious in its intentions that green hydrogen becomes a major fuel, then we are not moving anywhere near fast enough in building infrastructure and creating the market conditions needed. Shell last week announced the closure of three hydrogen filling stations, citing a lack of demand from consumers, which is concerning because it shows that the market is not responding well enough to the potential of green hydrogen as a fuel source, and, therefore, First Minister, we need to be advocating more vocally that this is a worthwhile and long-term investment. With this in mind, First Minister, and given the potential for green hydrogen production from projects such as the Statkraft green energy hub in Pembrokeshire, what conversations have you had with industry to encourage further investment in green hydrogen production and filling station infrastructure?