Core Viewpoint - Close Brothers Asset Finance has expanded its sustainability funding to include hydrogen projects, positioning itself as a leading lender in the hydrogen sector, which is crucial for decarbonisation in hard-to-electrify industries like heavy industry and transport [1][3]. Group 1: Funding and Offerings - The firm is providing funding across the hydrogen supply chain, including electrolysers, multi-element gas containers (MEGC), and Hydrogen Power Units (HPU), applicable in various sectors such as construction and film production [2]. - Close Brothers aims to support small to medium-sized enterprises and mid-size corporates, which are often underserved in the energy transition market [3]. Group 2: Strategic Insights - The decision to support hydrogen was based on extensive research into the hydrogen value chain, focusing on new-to-market assets that contribute to the emerging European green hydrogen market [3]. - The company offers multiple forms of finance from different security bases to adapt to market conditions in nascent markets, providing a comprehensive solution from production to end use [3].