National trade body the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) has appointed industry expert Andy Physick in the newly created role of Hydrogen Policy Manager.
The appointment reflects the BCGA’s intent to support the UK’s hydrogen industry and expand support for its hydrogen-focused members.
Having previously held roles where he helped to deliver hydrogen and low-carbon initiatives, Physick will ensure the BCGA’s hydrogen publication portfolio is kept up to date, including its codes of practice and guidance notes.
Physick said the role comes as the hydrogen economy shifts from pilot projects to early commercial deployment across UK clusters and sectors.
Andrew Physick has over 10 years experience in delivering hydrogen and supplementary low-carbon initiatives. ©BCGA
He will also work with Ellen Daniels, CEO of the BCGA, to keep BCGA guidance consistent with best global practice by engaging with government bodies, emergency services, and partner associations.
“As policy mechanisms for production and infrastructure mature and evolve at pace, projects increasingly need clear, consistent safety and competency frameworks to progress,” he said. “Supply chain capacity and skills are scaling, but design assurance, integrity management and competent operation remain bottlenecks.”
BCGA’s guidance also extends to assessing cost, programme risk and approval timelines for refuelling and distribution networks – which Physick says are “growing unevenly.”
The organisation has also developed its Gaseous Fuels Committee to offer safety and technical guidance. The committee has so far provided information on storing and dispensing fuel for vehicles, a step needed to ensure the safe rollout of hydrogen in UK fuel stations.
“For decades, as the UK trade body for the compressed gases sector, we have promoted the safe and effective use and development of hydrogen,” said Daniels. ”Andy’s appointment enables us to … ensure the continued responsible growth of the hydrogen economy.”