Only 5% of the skilled workforce needed for the UK’s alternative fuels sector is ready so far.

That’s according to a new report published by skills development non-profit, Cogent Skills.

The report cites government analysis which suggests the country’s hydrogen sector could support more than 12,000 jobs by 2030 and up to 100,000 by 2050.

The current workforce stands at approximately 600.

The report found that an extremely challenging labour market could affect the UK’s hydrogen production capabilities and threaten net zero targets.

Cogent Skills’ Chief Executive Officer, Justine Fosh, said: “As a versatile replacement for high-carbon fuels, hydrogen is an ideal low-carbon energy source for sectors which need flexible energy for power, heat and transport.

“It also presents a significant opportunity to deliver economic growth as well as job creation and retention. If we’re to realise hydrogen’s potential, we’ll need a huge increase in skills and staff.”

The report says that the UK falls behind countries including Australia and Canada in this area.