The report, which criticises the government for “unacceptable” cutbacks and slow progress, sets out 10 steps needed to ensure the carbon target is met, with recommendations across transport, heating, energy efficiency and how to tackle greenhouse gas emissions.

IGEM’s chief executive, Neil Atkinson, said: “We can only agree with the committee that the UK urgently needs a clear strategy for decarbonising the energy system and heat in particular.

“Unfortunately, progress in this area has been stymied by indecision and hampered by cutbacks.

“However, the UK has an opportunity now to take decisive action on the decarbonisation of heat. We note this report contains several positive recommendations on the measures needed to do this successfully and the important role hydrogen can play in that transition.

“Key to this change will be the hydrogen safety demonstration projects currently taking place around the country and we support the committee’s call to support these schemes and address this issue with the utmost urgency.

“The report goes on to urge the government to amend regulations to raise the proportion of hydrogen permitted in the gas grid, once the safety evidence has been obtained. IGEM is currently working hard on developing hydrogen technical standards and reviewing the gas quality standards that would underpin any change in gas quality legislation.

“The government must now accelerate its thinking in terms of policies and regulation to support these measures.”