This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re joined by Lawson Steele, CEO of Haldane Energy, to explore the strategic and practical role of hydrogen in long-duration energy storage and the UK’s energy transition. Marten Ford, who leads Aurora’s work in GBN Ireland on low-carbon fuels and hydrogen, guides the conversation through the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s power system over the next decade.

Lawson is responsible for the day-to-day management of Haldane Energy and is a founder and director of the Windward Energy group of companies. He has over a decade of experience in renewables and energy infrastructure, building wind portfolios and independent distribution networks.

Main topics include:

• The strategic rationale for hydrogen long-duration energy storage and its role in replacing aging gas-fired power plants

• How hydrogen provides high energy density and flexible dispatchable power relative to alternatives like batteries or pumped hydro

• Design and operation of closed-loop hydrogen systems, including electrolysers, salt cavern storage, and hydrogen fuel power stations

• Commercial viability and the importance of government schemes to de-risk investment in large-scale hydrogen energy storage