logo mid finalFT Hydrogen Summit: Strategic Talking Points: Core Message Framework

"I'm not anti-hydrogen - I'm pro-sequencing. Biomethane CHP is the intelligent bridge to hydrogen fuel cells. Why waste 15-20 years when we can deploy 90% efficiency systems today and transition to H2 fuel cells when they're genuinely ready?"

Primary Elevator Pitch (60 seconds)

*"I'm here because I believe in hydrogen's future - but through fuel cells, not current electrolysis systems. The intelligent pathway is biomethane CHP as the immediate bridge solution. We're literally flaring waste biomethane while debating green hydrogen infrastructure.

My specialty is Combined Heat and Power systems using biomethane - 90% efficiency available today. I'm developing a £50m care home portfolio that proves this concept. In 15-20 years, when hydrogen fuel cells achieve 50-60% efficiency, we can transition. But meanwhile, we're capturing waste energy that's currently lost. The UK has successful CHP installations in Islington, Southampton, and Woking proving this bridge strategy works now."*

Key Statistical Ammunition

  • Current hydrogen electrolysis: 25-35% efficiency vs Biomethane CHP: 80-90% efficiency
  • Future hydrogen fuel cells: 50-60% efficiency (15-20 years) vs CHP available now: 80-90%
  • UK transmission losses: 8-10% annually vs Local CHP: Zero transmission losses
  • Hydrogen infrastructure cost: £100+ billion vs CHP leveraging existing gas grid + biomethane: Fraction of the cost
  • Timeline: Green hydrogen commercial viability 2030+ vs Biomethane CHP deployment: Immediate
  • Waste biomethane: Currently flared or released vs CHP utilization: Captures waste energy streams

Targeted Talking Points by Audience

For Infrastructure Investors

"Hydrogen fuel cells will eventually deliver 50-60% efficiency - but not for 15-20 years. Biomethane CHP delivers 90% efficiency today with immediate cash flow. Our care home project shows 15-20% IRR with a clear transition pathway to H2 fuel cells when ready. You're not betting against hydrogen - you're investing in the intelligent bridge strategy."

For Energy Companies

"You understand hydrogen's potential through fuel cells, not current electrolysis systems. Biomethane CHP preserves your gas infrastructure while capturing waste energy streams. When H2 fuel cells mature, your CHP infrastructure transitions seamlessly. It's staged technology deployment, not infrastructure replacement."

For Policymakers/Regulators

"We support hydrogen's long-term potential through fuel cells. But biomethane CHP captures waste energy immediately while building the distributed infrastructure hydrogen will eventually need. It's the responsible bridge strategy that maximizes efficiency at every stage."

For Journalists/Analysts

"The real story is intelligent sequencing versus rushed deployment. We're flaring biomethane while debating green hydrogen infrastructure. The smart money backs proven bridge technologies that transition to hydrogen fuel cells when ready - not current electrolysis systems that waste 60%+ of input energy."

Counter-Arguments to Hydrogen Proponents

"But we need hydrogen now for decarbonization..." "Absolutely - but through the most efficient pathway. Biomethane CHP captures waste energy at 90% efficiency today. When hydrogen fuel cells reach 50-60% efficiency in 15-20 years, we transition. Current electrolysis at 25-35% efficiency is premature deployment."

"Green hydrogen provides clean storage..." "Biomethane CHP provides reliable baseload with waste energy capture. When hydrogen fuel cells mature, the distributed infrastructure is already in place. It's staged efficiency optimization."

"We need to build hydrogen infrastructure now..." "The infrastructure hydrogen fuel cells will need is distributed generation - exactly what CHP provides. We're building the foundation while capturing waste energy streams rather than creating them."

"Hydrogen will get cheaper and more efficient..." "Fuel cells will improve - but current electrolysis can't overcome physics. Biomethane CHP captures energy that's currently wasted while we wait for fuel cell technology to mature. It's the practical bridge strategy."

Conversation Starters/Questions

Opening Lines

  • "What's your timeline for hydrogen fuel cells versus current electrolysis systems?"
  • "How do you see biomethane CHP as a bridge to hydrogen fuel cells?"
  • "Are you focusing on immediate electrolysis deployment or staged transition to fuel cells?"

Qualifying Questions

  • "Are you investing in electrolysis, fuel cells, or distribution infrastructure?"
  • "What's your view on biomethane as a bridge fuel to hydrogen?"
  • "How are you addressing efficiency losses while fuel cell technology matures?"

Follow-Up Opportunities to Mention

Immediate Offerings

  • "I'd be happy to share our care home project feasibility study"
  • "I can connect you with the operators of successful UK CHP installations"
  • "Would you be interested in a detailed efficiency comparison analysis?"

Future Collaboration

  • "We're developing research on optimal hydrogen transition pathways - would your organization contribute insights on fuel cell timelines?"
  • "I'm looking for partners in our £50m care home program - designed for eventual H2 fuel cell transition"
  • "Would you be interested in co-developing staged hydrogen deployment strategies?"

Business Card/Contact Information Positioning

"I specialize in biomethane CHP systems as the intelligent bridge to hydrogen fuel cells. Currently developing £50m care home portfolio with 90% efficiency today, designed for H2 transition when fuel cells mature. Let's discuss staged hydrogen deployment strategies."

Social Media Follow-Up Strategy

LinkedIn Connection Message Template: "Great meeting you at the FT Hydrogen Summit. I share your vision for hydrogen's future through fuel cells. Meanwhile, I'm deploying biomethane CHP systems at 90% efficiency as the intelligent bridge strategy. Would love to discuss staged hydrogen transition pathways."

Key Success Metrics for the Event

  • 20+ meaningful business card exchanges
  • 5+ follow-up meetings scheduled
  • 2+ potential JV partners identified
  • 1+ media contact for future articles

    

Remember:

"I'm not anti-hydrogen - I'm pro-sequencing. Biomethane CHP is the intelligent bridge to hydrogen fuel cells. Why waste 15-20 years when we can deploy 90% efficiency systems today and transition to H2 fuel cells when they're genuinely ready?"