“Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the most difficult challenges the world faces. China’s influence on both is enormous. Our programme seeks to explore the potential for bilateral cooperation to address these challenges.”
Paul Jefferiss, UKNCC Climate & Sustainability Programme Lead
The UKNCC has forged a trailblazing path in utilising the principles of Track II diplomacy by spearheading the “UK-China Hydrogen Energy Cooperation Dialogue.” The initiative brings together various stakeholders to explore the potential for bilateral cooperation in hydrogen technologies in the pursuit of zero-carbon cities. The Dialogue is hosted by founding co-partners, Manchester China Forum and the Chinese Consul General in Manchester, with Manchester City, Wuhan City and commercial partners Carlton Power (a hydrogen production project in Trafford Park) as among the stakeholders. Carlton Power’s plans to construct a 15-20MW electrolyser by 2025 are currently underway.
This multi-stakeholder initiative is led by the UK-China Hydrogen Steering Committee, which meets fortnightly to identify green hydrogen investment opportunities in Greater Manchester. Each year, the progress and plans of the Dialogue are set out in a Forum hosted simultaneously by Manchester City and Wuhan City leadership.
Committee Members:
- Paul Jefferiss UKNCC (Chair)
- Gu Wenjing, UKNCC
- Elsa Katz, UKNCC
- David Percival, UKNCC / Deloitte
- Rhys Whalley, Executive Director, MCF
- Lisa Turner, David Houliston, MCC
- The Chinese Consul General in Manchester
- Yang Jiani (Claire) British Consul, Wuhan
- Amer Gaffar, Executive Director, Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre
- Eric Adams, CEO, Carlton Power
- Will Hawkes, Hydrogen Consultant
- David Hilton, MIDAS
- Tiffany Solender, Department of Business and Trade (DBT)
- Chris Hay, DBT, Wuhan
Forum sponsors include:
Bank of China, Deloitte, Red Rock Power and HSBC.
The Inaugural Forum – April 2022
In 2022, the UKNCC organized its inaugural UK-China Hydrogen Forum, marking the 50th anniversary of ambassadorial relations between the two nations. The Forum explored the feasibility of bilateral cooperation on hydrogen mega projects in cities, with a focus on Manchester and Wuhan.
Throughout the year, the Committee strengthened dialogue between UK and Chinese stakeholders. At COP27’s China Pavilion, Dr. Jefferiss, further strengthened international support for China’s green, low-carbon economic transformation. He presented promising avenues for collaboration on green hydrogen, especially in Manchester.
In summer 2023 the second Forum is planned to welcome a delegation from Wuhan following the opening of international travel. The Forum will serve as a platform to inform stakeholders on the strides achieved, discuss policies to attract investment, and present future plans for building a thriving hydrogen ecosystem in Manchester and Wuhan.