The UK Hydrogen Allocation Rounds (HAR) are moving quickly, with the 11 projects shortlisted from the first round and 27 in the second round, what will round 3 bring?
Whether you are preparing an application, assessing your eligibility or already holding a contract and planning delivery, this page is here to give you a simple overview of what HAR involves and how NIRAS can support you.
What HAR is in plain terms
The Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR) is the UK Government’s main support mechanism for commercial scale low carbon hydrogen production, for both site developers and hydrogen offtakers. Successful projects secure long term contracts that help them reach final investment decisions, de-risk delivery and move into construction with confidence – providing that vital financial subsidy as the process technology is maturing.
To secure a contract, applicants must demonstrate technical credibility, economic robustness (which increasingly requires demonstrating value for money) and a clear, deliverable project plan across the full lifecycle. That’s where many developers look for specialist support to strengthen their submission and prepare for delivery.
Navigating the application
The application process is detailed and can be time consuming. Typical areas where applicants seek support include:
- Strengthening technical definitions and design concepts
- Developing feasibility, FEED (basic design) and risk assessments
- Aligning supply chain plans and delivery strategies
- Preparing environmental and permitting documentation
- Demonstrating grid, water and utility readiness
- Ensuring programme risks are understood and mitigated
- Building an evidence based, investment ready submission
- Provide costings for each phase of the project, from early phase design through to construction and commissioning – should the project move ahead
Our role is to help you produce a clear, credible and well structured application that gives assessors the confidence they need.
Are you eligible?
HAR criteria evolve with each round, but at a high level you’ll need to show:
- A clear production route aligned with low carbon requirements
- A technically and commercially viable concept
- Secure site control (or a realistic route to it)
- A deliverable programme, including permitting, grid and utilities
- Robust environmental and safety considerations – in the UK this includes 10% biodiversity
- Evidence that you can take the project through to operation
If you’re unsure where you stand, we can walk through your current concept with detailed review, gap analysis, and help you understand how best to achieve your objectives.
How NIRAS can help
NIRAS is design and construction partner for green hydrogen and Power-to-X projects, supporting clients from first ideas through to commissioning and operation. Our team delivers full end-to-end services, including:
Advisory and Owners Engineer Services
Guidance from early strategy to contracting, cost reviews and technical assurance.
Feasibility, Concept and FEED
Conceptual design, technology assessments, environmental and risk studies, and permitting support.
Complete EPC and Programme Delivery
End-to-end design, management and execution of utility, balance of plant and full site infrastructure, including civil works, buildings, roads, landscaping electrical, water systems, fire process safety and power integration.
Specialist Capabilities
- Water treatment system design, including alternative water sources
- Electrolyser and technology review/selection
- Hydrogen and derivatives technoeconomic analysis
- Supply chain planning and logistics
- Power2X integration – particularly wide expertise in offtaker process integration
We are already supporting UK clients across the full lifecycle of green hydrogen projects under HAR1 and beyond, from FEED review through to EPC.
Why engage early
Early engagement allows you to:
- Test the strength of your concept before committing spend
- Understand permitting, grid and utility constraints
- Build a realistic programme and financial case
- Strengthen the credibility of your HAR submission
- Position your project for smoother delivery post award
Most importantly, it lets you avoid rework later when timelines become tighter – retrospective adjustments are always much more costly
Start your HAR project with NIRAS today
Jim Buston
Business Development Manager (Green Fuels)
Burton upon Trent, United Kingdom
"In an age of tremendous competition, cost pressures and AI, people and relationships will always remain the foundation upon which businesses grow"
- Jim Buston, Business Development Manager
With 15 years of experience in the energy-engineering sector, Jim specialises in strategic business development, finding routes to the right people and organisations – with correctly positioned, value-adding products.
Since joining NIRAS, Jim and the NIRAS Green Fuels team have successfully secured exciting projects, including design and construction partner in sustainable aviation fuel project, and a significant UK hydrogen production site EPC scope to deliver full balance of plant.
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