Policy uncertainty, momentum, and hope – key takeaways from All-Energy 2026

10 June 2026 | 3 minute read

The SHINe team once again headed to Glasgow for the 25th annual All-Energy exhibition and conference this year. The conference revealed the effects of policy delays, but that momentum across Scotland’s hydrogen sector remains strong.

A chance for renewed optimism

The UK’s largest low carbon energy and renewables event provides a vital opportunity for SHINe. From fostering relationships to rolling out hydrogen projects, All-Energy helps us to better understand how we can support the sector to scale up.

We made it a priority to chat with stakeholders across the full hydrogen value chain. We also used the event, where SHINe was initially launched in 2024, to highlight the importance of the programme. We outlined how we are working with investors, innovators, and Scotland’s existing assets to accelerate deployment of vital hydrogen infrastructure. 

We were delighted to attend panel sessions throughout the event and listen to industry experts across Scotland’s clean energy industry. One key takeaway from these sessions is the continued Hydrogen Strategy delay. Without this strategy, the hydrogen value chain lacks long-term certainty, resulting in stalled investments and less industry confidence.

Despite these ongoing challenges, the continued enthusiasm across the hydrogen value chain displayed at All-Energy was encouraging.

Our team recognised the changing nature of Scotland’s hydrogen landscape. However, evidence showing that the sector is still progressing at a more realistic rate reassured our colleagues. We left the conference with a feeling that colleagues are developing a clearer view about which hydrogen projects and applications will really add value. 

Attendees particularly highlighted that hydrogen’s role will be to complement electrification rather than compete against it. 

All-Energy has shown us that the Scottish hydrogen sector is now focusing on delivery, prioritisation, and scaling that works. The conference showed that momentum for hydrogen is healthy, and that delivery is now key to strengthen investor confidence. 

Industry stakeholders highlighted the important role Scotland will play in the net zero transition. The conference was set against the backdrop of Scotland’s excellent clean energy landscape. However, the diversity of organisations and colleagues at All-Energy reinforced how important Scotland’s wealth of skilled workers will also be for the hydrogen industry. 

Our presence at All-Energy

SHINe project manager James Ruel spoke at All-Energy’s Innovation Show Floor Theatre. In the session, James discussed our approach to supporting the Scottish hydrogen sector.

We spoke about how we help the sector to upscale through collaborative events such as our co-creation workshop series. James shared insights from the series, including how to overcome key barriers to hydrogen implementation. 

The session also provided us with the opportunity to promote opportunities across Scotland’s hydrogen sector. James provided an update on how to best progress the sector, informed by our regular engagement with the Scottish hydrogen network.

We also attended a range of panel sessions hosted by our members. These included some insightful sessions by All-Energy sponsor and our project partners Scottish Partnership in Energy and Engineering Research & Innovation (SPEERI). 

The sessions provided us with an array of knowledge around the engineering, infrastructure, and technological solutions needed to advance the sector. It was great to also hear about Scotland’s positive progress approaching these challenges.

Across a busy agenda, listening to sector voices and real-world experiences was invaluable to help us better understand the status of the hydrogen value chain. 

We also hosted our members at the Team Scotland stand on day one, bringing members, Industry Board members, and innovators together. 

We were pleased to also see innovators who received commercialisation support from SHINe showcase their technologies at the Innovators Hub. The Hub was delivered by our member, the Net Zero Technology Centre, allowing innovators to share insights, share their breakthroughs, and connect with industry peers.

What’s next for the sector?

All-Energy provided some key takeaways and renewed opportunities for greater industry collaboration. Conferences like these are crucial to learn about hydrogen’s biggest opportunities and barriers, first-hand from those working across the sector.

The event reinforced the consensus that hydrogen will be particularly key in areas where electrification is hard, costly, or inefficient. We spoke to organisations that were particularly enthusiastic about hydrogen’s use case in heavy industry, high-temperature heat processes, and certain elements of transport.

While the Hydrogen Strategy delay cast doubt on some projects, good news stories indicated sustained momentum across the sector. GB Energy, a publicly owned energy company, recently invested £40 million in ITM Power. The investment will significantly expand hydrogen technology manufacturing in the UK, delivering additional electrolyser capacity while creating new skilled jobs in the hydrogen supply chain.

Meanwhile, Protium have recently purchased the 15 megawatts Cromarty Hydrogen Project, originally funded by the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR). The project will produce green hydrogen in the North of Scotland for use across local distilleries. 

The positive momentum demonstrated across the industry, and the strong relationships fostered at All-Energy, showcases that the best days for Scottish hydrogen are still ahead of us. 

How to get involved

All-Energy provided us with the opportunity to identify the best use cases for hydrogen. Join us at our next webinaropens in a new window, where we will explore where hydrogen makes sense for Scotland, including in difficult to electrify sectors.

If you’re a hydrogen innovator with an idea, technology, or solution that will help to overcome sector barriers, get support to develop your hydrogen project.