Save the Date – Bringing Hydrogen to the Marketplace – How Can Interdisciplinary Research Make a Difference?

We are pleased to invite you to join us for a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and researchers as we explore the theme “Bringing Hydrogen to the Marketplace – How Can Interdisciplinary Research Make a Difference?”.

• Date: March 12-13, 2025
• Location: Bath, UK
• Highlight: Drinks reception and dinner at the Roman Baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Great British Energy has a clear vision for hydrogen as part of our low carbon economy. Come and join us at this event to meet people who can help understand and solve your challenges in hydrogen, from technical, to sustainability assessment, to societal acceptance. Hosted by UK-HyRES, the event will feature insightful discussions on using interdisciplinary research, opportunities to co-develop future funded projects and plenty of time for networking.

More details and registration information will follow soon, but for now please mark 12th-13th March in your calendars! 

We look forward to your participation in shaping the future of hydrogen together. To register please follow this link: https://bit.ly/41vejTN

Warm regards,

The UK-HyRES Team

You can now apply for one of seven fully funded PhD studentships as part of the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership ZENITH. ZENITH (Zero emission: the next generation of integrated technologies for hydrogen) is a new partnership between the University of Bath and GKN Aerospace.

The 3.5-year funded studentships offer an enhanced stipend of £21,010 a year for Home students. £13,890 a year is available for international students through the Vice Chancellor International Scholarships.

Based in The University of Bath Department of Mechanical Engineering, you’ll work with four post-doctoral researchers and supervisors from a team of 15 academics and 11 industrial specialists.

Please note that despite the application deadline mentioned on the website these opportunities are STILL OPEN!!!!

To read more and apply click here: https://bit.ly/4e2zvUQ

The UK HyRES Stakeholder Engagement Showcase 2025 brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and policy to address the challenges and opportunities in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels. Over two days, thought leaders explored pathways to accelerate hydrogen adoption and drive innovation in support of the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Key Discussions and Insights

The event featured in-depth discussions on the technological, regulatory, and financial landscapes shaping the hydrogen sector. A special thanks to our plenary speakers, Dr Emma Guthrie (HEA), Dr Dan Graham (GKN Aerospace), and Dr Subhasish Mukerjee (Ceres Power), who delivered compelling presentations on hydrogen’s role in aviation and industry. Their contributions underscored hydrogen’s transformative potential and the collaborative efforts required to advance its adoption.

Hydrogen-Based Aviation Fuels

Dr Dan Graham (GKN Aerospace), a leading researcher in hydrogen-based aviation fuels, outlined how cryogenic hydrogen technology could enable zero-emission air travel. While the technology is promising, she emphasized the critical need for further research and development, particularly in handling and application expertise. Leveraging existing knowledge from industries experienced in cryogenic materials will be key to overcoming these challenges.

Policy and Regulatory Support

Dr Emma Guthrie (HEA) examined the regulatory and policy frameworks necessary for hydrogen integration into the energy mix. He highlighted the importance of sustained government involvement and the need for dedicated policy representatives to ensure long-term sector growth. A cohesive strategy that aligns research, industry expertise, and supportive policies is essential for accelerating hydrogen adoption.

Investment in Hydrogen Technologies

Dr Subhasish Mukerjee discussed the funding landscape for hydrogen technologies, stressing the importance of strategic investments in key areas such as cryogenic hydrogen and composite materials. He noted that the UK has the potential to establish a competitive advantage in these fields but requires a balanced funding approach that supports both early-stage research and the commercial scale-up of proven technologies.

Addressing Key Challenges

A significant theme throughout the showcase was the necessity of a dedicated government representative focused on hydrogen sector development. Attendees emphasized that sustained government involvement is crucial for crafting policies and funding frameworks that enable long-term innovation and deployment.

Funding remains a pivotal issue, with increased investment needed in cryogenic hydrogen and composite materials research. The UK HyRES FlexiFund was highlighted as a valuable mechanism supporting innovation across varying Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).

The future of hydrogen adoption also depends on an integrated supply chain, particularly for fuel cell technology. Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration across the sector to streamline efficiencies and drive advancements. Encouraging cross-sector partnerships will be vital in overcoming current barriers and accelerating deployment.

Looking Ahead

A recurring takeaway was the necessity of continuous dialogue beyond annual events. While the showcase provided an invaluable platform for discussion, stakeholders stressed the need to maintain momentum through regular knowledge-sharing opportunities and collaborative initiatives.

Early Career Researcher (ECR) funding and joint industry-academia projects were identified as crucial next steps. Moving from discussion to actionable projects will ensure that innovation in hydrogen and alternative fuels continues to progress.

The UK HyRES Stakeholder Engagement Showcase 2025 served as a catalyst for essential conversations on hydrogen’s role in achieving net zero. However, this is just the beginning. By strengthening partnerships, securing targeted funding, and fostering innovation, hydrogen and alternative fuels can realize their transformative potential.

We look forward to continuing this journey with all stakeholders and will be sharing further insights in the coming weeks. Let’s keep the conversation going

Written by Melisha Barboza

The UK-HyRES Stakeholders event was held on the 12th–13th of March 2025 in the historic city of Bath. The event aimed to bring together ideas and foster discussions around challenges within current hydrogen and liquid alternative fuel (LAF) technologies, addressing academic, industrial, and socio-economic perspectives.

The event was opened by Professor Rachel Rothman from the University of Sheffield and Co-Director of the Hub. Professor Rothman began by explaining the hub’s founding and structure. The UK-HyRES hub not only strives for innovative technical research in hydrogen and LAF technologies but also emphasizes the importance of developing holistic solutions. She introduced the technical and cross-cutting research themes, as well as the new projects undertaken this year.

Following the introduction, the hub’s technical and cross-cutting PDRAs presented the foundational concepts of their research themes and shared updates on their progress. These presentations were crucial for understanding the current state of academic research and the developments expected from the hub in the coming years.

A key highlight of the first day was the talk by Dr. Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA). Her presentation provided an overview of the HEA’s national goals and how it aims to support both large- and small-scale hydrogen-based industrial projects and companies in leading innovation, particularly in sectors such as transport, aviation, and energy. Dr. Guthrie’s passion for clean energy and innovation was evident, sparking insightful discussions on how to practically bring green hydrogen to the marketplace.

Dr. Chris Jones from the University of Portsmouth discussed the importance of social acceptance and public engagement in developing new technologies. His session included a presentation followed by a collaborative interactive activity. Attendees were divided into groups; each assigned a scenario involving hydrogen or LAF technologies. The groups identified social, economic, environmental, and safety-related challenges and advantages of the proposed technologies. Initially, the discussions were slow, as both industry and academic participants were unfamiliar with integrating these concepts. However, by the end of the session, it was clear that attendees had gained a more holistic understanding of the stakeholders involved in developing new technologies, particularly when implementing large-scale national changes. The session also provided an opportunity for attendees to learn from each other by sharing their expertise.

The first day concluded with presentations on new projects funded through the hub’s flexi-fund, highlighting their objectives and expected outcomes. These projects spanned multiple universities and overlapped across research themes. The day ended with a reception and dinner at the beautiful Roman Baths, offering attendees the chance to network and appreciate the city’s rich history.

The second day focused more heavily on industrial innovation and the efforts being made to bring hydrogen and LAF technologies to market. Dr. Dan Graham from GKN Aerospace opened the day with a talk on the future of hydrogen in aviation. A key point of his presentation was the unique challenges aviation faces compared to other industries, where hydrogen technology is more adaptable. Dr. Shubi Mukherjee from Ceres Power then demonstrated how academic research can transition into industrial applications. His talk highlighted the development of solid oxide fuel cell technology at Imperial College, which is now being manufactured in parts of East and South Asia for potential commercial use in areas such as green steel production and data centres.

The discussions from the previous day influenced many of the questions raised during these talks, particularly around the sensitivity and performance of hydrogen and LAF technologies, especially when competing with existing practices. Questions also focused on how these companies plan to address social acceptance, which concluded the morning session.

The afternoon began with brief presentations from industry representatives, each providing an overview of their company’s expertise and current projects. Representatives also outlined specific challenges they are facing, ranging from technical issues in manufacturing and product development to policy-related hurdles surrounding hydrogen and LAFs. Two breakout sessions followed, where attendees were encouraged to engage with the representatives whose challenges aligned with their expertise. These sessions fostered collaborative problem-solving, effectively bridging the gap between industry and academia.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Professor Rothman, who encouraged participants to continue such discussions to advance toward a sustainable hydrogen and LAF future.

From the perspective of an early-career researcher, this event provided valuable insights into the diverse industries where hydrogen and LAF technologies are being applied. It also highlighted the importance of considering not only the technical aspects of research but also its broader implications, from production to end-use and its impact on stakeholders. This encouraged myself and many others to reflect on our own research, ensuring it not only excels in its specialization but also has practical applications as a market-ready product. Finally, the event served as an excellent example of how to effectively connect academia and industry. It underscored that achieving a sustainable future in hydrogen and LAF technologies requires a collective effort, driven by collaboration and a shared vision.

This event will bring together experts from academia, industry, and policy to discuss the latest research and innovation in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels. With the support of both Ceres Power and GKN Aerospace, the showcase will provide a unique platform for collaboration and highlight the cutting-edge advancements driving the clean energy transition.

📅 Date: 12–13 March 2025📍 Location: University of Bath

For more information and to register, visit: UK-HyRES Stakeholder Showcase

We look forward to welcoming you to this important event!

The 6th RD20 Conference, held from 2–6 December 2024 in the bustling city of New Delhi, marked a milestone in the global journey towards a clean energy future. Hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at the India Habitat Centre, the event focused on hydrogen technologies and biofuels, bringing together a distinguished cohort of researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from G20 nations. Launched in 2019 in Tokyo, this was the first RD20 conference hosted outside Japan, establishing a collaborative platform for advancing clean energy technologies on a global scale. RD20 is designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among leading research institutions from G20 countries. Prof Robert Gross, UKERC director & Imperial College London led the UK delegation to the conference. Dr Sibimol Luke, Research Fellow, UCL was part of the UK delegation from UK-HyRES.

In the inaugural session, Mr P K Singh, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) India, said, ‘India intends to emerge as a global leader in green hydrogen. The only challenge here is the price of green hydrogen. That is why we all need to work together to bring down the price of green hydrogen’. He is hopeful that India’s 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a step in the right direction. Dr William Tumas, Associate Laboratory Director, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA, addressed the delegates, ‘As leading research institutions, we have already agreed that we need to accelerate innovation through analysis, exchange, and research and development. We can do that together through collaboration and cooperation.’ The inaugural session ended with excitement and anticipation for the coming days of the conference.

The conference kicked off with a technical session on ‘Addressing Technical Barriers to Hydrogen Implementation’, which was led by Dr Pierre Sierre-Combe (CEA) and Mr Mark Ruth (NREL). Scientists from leading research institutes presented cutting-edge research and developments on hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation in their countries and geographies. It was aimed to facilitate a comprehensive discussion on overcoming challenges through collaboration, innovation, and identification of strategies that suit each country’s specific context. The session provided a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering discussions on the barriers to hydrogen implementation worldwide. It highlighted the latest advancements in hydrogen technology, showcasing its critical role in the clean energy transition.

Dr Pierre Serre-Combe emphasised the importance of proposing new task forces to tackle barriers to hydrogen deployment. He focused on life cycle analysis, technical, and economic assessments, for the decarbonisation of energy and industry using hydrogen. Mr Mark Ruth discussed performance demonstration and analytical support to accelerate hydrogen technology commercialisation in the US. Prof Aoife Foley, Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure, University of Manchester & HI-ACT (UK-HyRES sister hub), presented on ‘Hydrogen Integration in the UK for Net-Zero Transformation’. She discussed UK hydrogen strategy and policy priorities, technology and integration issues, and the importance of a whole system approach for energy transition in light of the UK’s net zero ambitions and energy security. She also showed consolidated hydrogen certification schemes around the world and invited more discussions on hydrogen standardisation, gaps, and challenges.

Some of the points that emerged from the discussion in the hydrogen sessions are assessment of assessments, multicriteria decision-making in knowing the availability of capital, market mechanisms, assessing qualities for the energy transition and the methodologies, ensuring energy, social, and environmental justice, understanding knowledge gaps in hydrogen projects, and evaluation of resources like water and supply chain. The discussion also emphasised the importance of diagnostics and prognostics in safety and risk mitigations, the development of hydrogen sensors, the identification of hydrogen implementation projects in G20 countries, and the development of a database to see the duplication of work and missing knowledge from each other.

Dr Jamie Speirs, UKERC & University of Strathclyde, pointed out in the discussion that finding off-takers for hydrogen demonstration projects is a big challenge. There is a need for policy interventions to bridge the huge gap between hydrogen supply and demand. So, mapping the policy and market space to understand the balance of hydrogen production and demand is required. The delegates also discussed hydrogen’s global warming potential, impacts on climate, and the leakage reduction and opportunities for leakage reduction. Another important area of concern was the harmonisation of technology readiness level estimates and how it can be applied and considered in a system of systems. The panel was also excited to explore the opportunities to work together on hydrogen hubs.

Forming task forces and finding volunteers to work on some of the discussed points was another activity in this session. This allowed RD20 members to delve into specific challenges and opportunities in hydrogen research and development, fostering collaboration and innovation. The session ended with food for thought from Dr William Tumas, NREL, to the RD20 delegates to come up with a position for G20 in a few months on where we are in hydrogen in general, in production, in developing infrastructure, and how we are sustaining the progress we have made so far in the hydrogen sector to keep the momentum. This was a fantastic session that provided insights into national and international hydrogen strategies, focusing on strategic discussions about scaling up hydrogen infrastructure and fostering international cooperation. 

The conference also had a dedicated closed workshop as part of the hydrogen techno-economics working group. Competitive hydrogen production price is crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen, and accurate cost assessment is essential for investment decisions. The purpose of this workshop was to address the challenges of cost evaluation, as different countries use different methodologies and assumptions. Incomparable cost estimates are a large barrier to global collaboration and the global hydrogen market. Dr Sibimol Luke, Research Fellow, UCL, presented her and Prof Paul Dodd’s work on hydrogen techno-economic assessment round-robin results at the TEA harmonisation workshop. The participants were actively involved in comparing the results from different research institutions to understand each other’s methodologies in calculating the levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) and discussed the structure of the publication they were planning to produce.

The conference concluded with site visits to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and TERI Gram, providing participants with a firsthand view of India’s clean energy innovations. These visits underscored the real-world impact of the technologies and research discussed during the conference.

The RD20 2024 Conference was a testament to the global commitment to advancing clean energy innovation. By fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices, the event laid a strong foundation for a sustainable future. As the baton passes to Tsukuba, Japan, for RD20 2025, the momentum gained in New Delhi will continue to inspire efforts to tackle climate challenges and accelerate the clean energy transition. The 6th RD20 Conference was not merely an event; it was a catalyst for global change. By spotlighting hydrogen’s transformative potential and emphasising the importance of collaborative innovation, the conference reaffirmed the pivotal role of research and development in shaping a sustainable and inclusive energy future.

UK-HyRES, in partnership with HI-ACT, recently hosted a pivotal roundtable discussion to explore hydrogen research priorities for the UK’s new government. This gathering of academics, UKRI representatives, and leaders from public organisations was a valuable opportunity to align strategies and address pressing questions about hydrogen’s role in the future energy landscape.

Discussions revolved around critical topics such as how hydrogen can be integrated into future energy systems and how to maximise the potential of the gas network. Rita Wadey highlighted the pressing need for “stability, reality, and clarity” in policy and research, particularly around hydrogen storage, emphasising its critical role in ensuring a sustainable energy transition.

UK-HyRES Director Professor Tim Mays underscored the importance of raising public awareness and aligning it with policy frameworks to foster acceptance and accelerate progress. Collaboration, he noted, is essential for addressing the cross-cutting challenges and opportunities hydrogen presents.

Nigel Holmes from Hydrogen Scotland offered a thought-provoking perspective by asking what hydrogen can uniquely achieve compared to other technologies. He also referenced the “5 Bs” in natural gas and insights from the King Report to frame hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation.

This roundtable was a testament to the strength of cross-sector collaboration in shaping hydrogen’s future in the UK. As the nation looks to decarbonise and meet its ambitious net-zero targets, events like these ensure that research, policy, and public engagement work hand in hand.

Professor Cai recently chaired the World Hydrogen Leaders Virtual Conference, an event bringing together leaders from the hydrogen sector to discuss innovative projects across the UK, Europe, Egypt, and the USA. The sessions included in-depth discussions on hydrogen policy, project funding, and technological advancements, with lively Q&A segments involving questions from a global audience.

During the conference, Professor Cai introduced UK-HyRES and its mission to tackle key challenges in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels, further showcasing the hub’s leadership in advancing hydrogen research and innovation.

We thank Professor Cai for representing UK-HyRES on this international platform and fostering collaboration across the hydrogen sector.

We are thrilled to announce the successful funding of 10 innovative research projects under the UK-HyRES Flexible Fund Call, marking a significant milestone in advancing hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels technologies.

These projects represent a broad spectrum of groundbreaking research, each aligned with our mission to accelerate the UK’s hydrogen transition and drive impactful scientific innovation. Collectively, nearly £3 million in funding has been awarded, enabling pioneering studies across multiple institutions and disciplines.

We warmly welcome the researchers and their respective universities to the UK-HyRES network.

Funded Projects

Here’s an overview of the 10 funded projects and their lead researchers:

• Professor Alexander Cowan, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool: Stabilizing the AEM-Catalyst Interface (STACI)
• Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe, University of Aberdeen: New Materials and Methods for Hydrogen Transportation and Storage: Repurposing the Economy Future of the North Sea (MHYSTIC)
• Dr Alex Walton, University of Manchester: Understanding synergistic effects in Ir-free bimetallic oxide electrocatalysts
• Professor Aidong Yang, University of Oxford: Multi-purpose Exploration of Ammonia Reduction of Iron Oxides to Enable Green Steel and High Purity (MARIO)
• Dr Dawei Wu, University of Birmingham: An Ultra-low NOx Emission Catalytic Burner fueled with Neat Ammonia (UNISON)
• Professor Gerard Fernando, University of Birmingham: Novel low-cost, high-performance opto-chemical hydrogen sensors (OptiSen)
• Professor Jennifer X. Wen, University of Surrey: Ammonia Release Safety Modelling
• Professor Mark Symes, University of Glasgow: Decoupled Electrolysis of Seawater
• Professor Stephen Skinner, Imperial College London: Mitigating degradation and enhancing durability in metal-supported solid oxide electrolysers
• Professor Terence Liu, University of Northumbria: Triple Boost Strategy for Low Energy Consuming Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis (Trimonia)

What’s Next

Over the coming months, we will provide in-depth spotlights on each of these projects, exploring their objectives, methodologies, and expected impacts. This milestone reflects the collective efforts of our academic and industrial collaborators and highlights the innovative spirit of the UK-HyRES community.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these exciting projects and celebrate the achievements of our researchers. Together, we are shaping the future of hydrogen technology.

We’re thrilled to announce that our Hydrogen Support Hub, located on Level 4 of Wessex House, is now fully operational, bringing together key players across three major hydrogen initiatives. This marks a significant moment for the future of hydrogen research and development and a proud milestone for all involved. The completion of this Hub brings us closer to achieving our mission of supporting hydrogen innovation and a sustainable energy transition.

A special thank you to our HR team, whose dedication and hard work have been essential in assembling a full complement of specialists across GW-SHIFT, UK-HyRES, and ZENITH. With their support, we’re delighted to welcome this talented team:

• Andrea Edwards – Project Administrator for GW-SHIFT, who ensures streamlined project operations.
• Ali Cole – Marketing and Communications Officer for GW-SHIFT and UK-HyRES, promoting the impact of our hydrogen research.
• Sophie Hill – Project Manager for UK-HyRES, who drives key project milestones.
• Hannah Dennis – Project Manager for ZENITH, joining us remotely and advancing our hydrogen energy efforts.
• Karen Brooks – Deputy Director of GW-SHIFT, providing crucial leadership and strategic direction.
• Imogen Paige – Project Administrator for UK-HyRES, supporting project coordination and team collaboration.

The Hydrogen Support Hub is not just a physical workspace; it is a foundation for collaboration and innovation. With our full team now co-located, we are set to increase efficiency, accelerate our research, and advance hydrogen technologies for a greener, sustainable future.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible—we look forward to the incredible advancements to come with our team at the Hub!