The government is drawing up a list of alternative funding options to replace its controversial plans for a hydrogen levy, a backbench MP has revealed. This week’s House of Commons debate scrutinising the government’s Energy Bill focused on the proposed levy, which is designed to support investment in hydrogen production and distribution. The proposed levy drew flak from MPs, including former Conservative minister Alec Shelbrook, who described it as a “mistake” that would compound existing public disquiet about social and environmental costs being added to energy bills.