Research Project Call 1
We are pleased to announce that the first UK-HyRES Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels Research Project Call is live.
Apply now for up to £300,000 (FEC) to deliver groundbreaking projects in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels research. 🌐
Deadline for EoI: 24 Jan 2024
Download the CALL 1 Full Document
STAGE 1 Expression of Interest Form
Call 1 Information Webinar
Call 1 Information Webinar from the 12th of January 2024. Q and A from the event will be available soon.
How to apply?
This flexible funding call has three stages, with the full details available in the Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels Research Project Call 1 Document:
- Stage 1, Expressions of Interest – Apply through this MSForm by 15:00 GMT 24 January 2024
- Stage 2, Full Proposal
- Stage 3, Review Panel
What is required for the EOI?
Please take a look at the form and call document for all the information required at Stage 1, primarily we request a 500 word anonymised expression of interest.
What is in scope?
We want to be as flexible as possible to bring various talents and innovative ideas into the Hub, to drive research and innovation in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels. Projects could be researching new ideas, delivering critical results that may lead to a second stage of collaborative research beyond the initial exploratory work, or impact acceleration with industry partners leading to commercialisation. The projects will be expected to lead to application-inspired research to strengthen the UK’s position in hydrogen and hydrogen-based liquid fuels, and ultimately make UK industry more competitive.
Key Details
| Maximum Value per Proposal | £300,000 FEC |
| Funding level available | 80 % of FEC |
| Total resource available for this 1st call | Up to £1,800,000 |
| Expression of Interest call opens | 20 December 2023 |
| Information Webinar | 12 Jan 2024 |
| Closing date for Expressions of Interest | 24 January 2024 |
| Call for Full Proposals opens | 28 February 2024 |
| Call for Full Proposals closes | 17 April 2024 |
| Peer reviews of full proposals | 18 April – 12 June 2024 |
| Meeting of Review Panel | w/c 17 June 2024 |
| Notification of successful and unsuccessful Proposals | 1 July 2024 |
| Period for exchange of Flexible Fund grant conditions | 1 July – 25 July 2024 |
| Anticipated start date of successful proposals | October – December 2024 |
Download the CALL 1 Full Document
STAGE 1 Expression of Interest Form
We look forward to reviewing your application in due course. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.
EPSRC Hydrogen Hubs Launch
26th – 27th September 2023
The first day of the EPSRC Hydrogen Hubs Launch event was dedicated to a public unveiling and celebration of the UK Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels (UK-HyRES) and the Hydrogen Innovation for Accelerated Energy Transitions Hub (HI-ACT). It was a day filled with insights, discussions, and a shared vision for the future of hydrogen in the UK.
Day 1: 26th September 2023 – EPSRC Hydrogen Hubs Launch
Dr. Dawei Wu, (HI-ACT Co-I, University of Birmingham), extended a warm welcome to Birmingham. Prof. Sara Walker (HI-ACT Director) and Prof. Tim Mays (UK-HyRES Director), representing the hubs, followed with their greetings and thanked everyone for their contributions to this point. Councillor Lisa Trickett from Birmingham City Council delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of hydrogen in sustainable urban development and emphasising the need for a just transition that addresses fuel poverty.
The next session featured an overview of HI-ACT by Prof. Jianzhong Wu (HI-ACT Co-Director, Cardiff University). UK-HyRES was positioned by Prof. Rachael Rothman, UK-HyRES Co-Director at the University of Sheffield, who delved into our unique Hub structure and large, accessible, flexible fund (>£4M). Prof. Rothman discussed our journey so far and the ways for stakeholders to not only engage, but actively shape research that delivers impact. The audience also had the privilege of viewing a video message from The Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE MP, who stressed the importance of taking people along on the journey to net zero and the need for agility and flexibility as strategic drivers for change.
The plenary session introduced the Joint Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), co-chaired by Rita Wadey and Prof. David Grant (Energy Institute Director, University of Nottingham). The session also included fantastic presentations by Prof. Henry Tse on the opportunities that the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII) partnership offers and Dr. Allan Simpson of Equilibrion discussed the role of Nuclear Enabled Hydrogen, who remarked, “It’s time to diversify our thinking”.
A panel discussion on “Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels in a Net Zero Economy,” moderated by Celia Greaves, featured industry experts: Bethan Winter – Wales & West Utilities – System Operations Manager, Prof Xiaohong Li – University of Exeter – Professor of Renewable Energy, Dr Mark Bankhead – National Nuclear Laboratory – Technology Manager Hydrogen and Helen McColm – Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – Joint Head of Hydrogen Theme.
The day concluded with engaging discussions in the “Hydrogen Futures – Meet the Investigators” session, where attendees explored future research opportunities and priorities for the hubs. It was an enriching day filled with knowledge sharing and networking, marked by a shared commitment to a sustainable future. The second day of the event shifted focus to cross-hub collaboration between the two Hub teams and the inaugural meeting of the Joint Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). It was a day dedicated to strategic discussions and planning for the future. In the Cross-Hub meeting Dr. Chris Jones (UK-HyRES Social Theme Lead) led the UK-HyRES team, while Prof. Jianzhong Wu led the HI-ACT team. These meetings included discussions on joint case study projects and stakeholder engagement plans, fostering collaboration and project development. Following a coffee break, the focus turned to stakeholder engagement planning. Dr Rajan Jagpal (UK-HyRES Researcher) delivered a workshop on stakeholder engagement and strategy. Parallel to the Cross-Hub Meting, the SAB convened for its inaugural meeting. Featuring roundtable discussions, steer from the co-chairs, and updates on HI-ACT and UK-HyRES progress. SAB members actively contributed their thoughts on research challenges, systems integration, and stakeholder engagement, reflecting the strategic drivers for change set by Chris Skidmore and Lisa Trickett. The day concluded with a cross-hub debriefing session, where valuable insights and learnings were shared. Prof. Tim Mays and Prof. Sara Walker warmly thanked all attendees and closed the meetings. Both days of the EPSRC Hydrogen Hubs Launch event were marked by collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a shared commitment to advancing hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels research for a sustainable future. The event served as a vital stepping stone towards achieving the goals of the Hydrogen Hubs and their mission to drive innovation in the hydrogen sector.
Day 2: 27th September 2023 – Cross-Hub Meetings and SAB Inaugural Gathering
Please download a personal letter from Prof Tim Mays, Director and PI of UK-HyRES, confirming early details of the new EPSRC Hub. We are especially keen to ”spread the message” far and wide, including to individuals and organisations who may not be aware of UK-HyRES nor the opportunities of association. In which case would you please forward the letter to your networks. We appreciate the risks (and sincerely apologise for) any x-posting.
Thank you and kind regards,
UK-HyRES Administration Team
We are delighted to finally be able to announce, after receiving excellent feedback from the EPSRC, that the UK-HyRES Hub proposal was successful and we have now formally begun our initial five year funding window (June 2023 – June 2028) . Once again many thanks to the entire community for supporting us in putting together this ambitious research hub. Please bear with us as we begin this second phase, further details will be released soon. We are particularly focused on updating the community on our substantial flexible project fund and developing ways we can work together to deliver tangible impact.
Read the University of Bath Press Release >
Read the University of Warwick Press Release >
Read The University of Sheffield Press Release
We are pleased to announce, following the positive feedback received from the EPSRC, that the UK-HyRES Hub proposal has been successful. As a result, we have officially commenced our initial five-year funding period.
We would like to express our gratitude to the entire community for their support in creating this ambitious research hub. We kindly ask for your patience as we enter this next phase, as more information will be shared soon. Our main priority is to provide the community with updates on our significant flexible project fund and explore collaborative opportunities to achieve real-world impact.
- New member of the Carbon Trust’s CHIP (Clean Hydrogen Innovation Programme) Advisory Committee.
- Attended by invitation a Net Zero meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Western Gateway in Portcullis House, Westminster on 11/7/23.
- Attended by invitation a meeting of the US/UK R&D Action Plan Working Group 2 (reactor technologies) Nuclear Hydrogen Modelling Workshop on 11/7/23.
- Joined DESNZ’s new Hydrogen Delivery Council’s Jobs, Skills and Supply Chains Working Group on 11/7/23.
Prof. Tim Mays has been appointed as Theme Lead and Co-I of ZENITH, the new EPSRC Prosperity Partnership with GKN Aerospace (ref: EP/X025403/1) that focuses on hydrogen storage in future aircraft. Read more at UKRI
FUTURE PERSPECTIVE | EDINBURGH
EDINBURGH | 20/04/23
UK-HyRES held its latest hydrogen community engagement meeting, “Future Perspective”, at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on Thursday 20 April 2023.
Aims and Objectives
- A look forward to the Hub and to share details
- To hear leading expert perspectives on the future of hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel research
- To emphasis the Hub structures strategic alignment to the future direction of research (technical and cross-cutting)
- To network and build collaborations and partnerships
Over 60 delegates convened to hear a range of national and international speakers.
Gus MacIntosh (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) gave an opening address and shared the department’s future strategy and reminded us of the importance of cross-sector collaboration, commenting “You can’t work in a silo when you’re trying to change the global energy system”.
Prof Martin Dornheim (Leverhulme International Professor for Hydrogen Storage Materials and Systems, University of Nottingham) delivered the first talk, which focused on his research in solid state metal hydride storage systems.
Prof. Dornheim presents in Edinburgh 2023.
Invited international speaker Dr. Peter Holtappels (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) discussed electrochemical processes for Power2X and E-fuels, highlighting the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) and the StoRIES project, which aims to build a storage research infrastructure ecosystem.
Prof. Holtappels presents in Edinburgh 2023.
Professor Jennifer Wen (Professor in Energy Resilience, University of Surrey) focused on her perspective of the safety challenges and her research into ignition and flames, reaffirming “It is so important to address safety across the entire H2 value chain”.
Prof. Wen presents in Edinburgh 2023.
Jon Harman (Technology Delivery Director, Ceres Power) stressed the importance of green hydrogen production and discussed Ceres’ Solid Oxide technology and the development of the SteelCell. Reminding us that this was born from a university spin-out and the importance of research.
Jon Harman presents in Edinburgh 2023.
Prof Anthony Kucernak (Professor of Physical Chemistry, Imperial College London) shared a fantastic pre-recorded talk as he was currently away. He reminded us to not only look at the small scale and also to think creatively. Prof. Kucernak highlighted his research that showed that you can reduce the cost of hydrogen by valorising waste streams and producing valuable secondary products.
Prof Andresen presents in Edinburgh 2023.
Our final talk was delivered by Prof. John Andresen (Heriot-Watt University) who focused on the industrial decarbonisation challenge, emphasising the point that the industrial sector is responsible for 9% UK GDP, 2.5 million direct jobs, 16% UK emissions and will need 2 million more green jobs by 2030.
Nigel Holmes (Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association) chaired a lively afternoon panel discussion which was a look at the future hydrogen economy. Panellists included Prof John Irvine (University of St Andrews), Prof Joan Cordiner (University of Sheffield), Alan Mortimer (Development Director, Eneus Energy Ltd) and Dr Peter Forman (Northumbria University). Prof Irvine reminded us all that “Tomorrow’s technology is today’s research” and that we should challenge ourselves to go further than Net Zero and aim for a carbon negative system. Prof Mays rounded the day off with his vision for the proposed hub and his hope, that together, we can overcome challenges, deliver net zero and build a future hydrogen economy.
Panel discussion Edinburgh 2023.
Slides
Hydrogen-safety-research-the-achievements-and-the-challenges
The UK Hydrogen Champion engaged with stakeholders across the hydrogen value chain between July and December 2022.
This report summarises their findings and makes recommendations for government and industry to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen sector.
The UK Hydrogen Champion, Jane Toogood, was appointed in July 2022 as an independent advisor to government and industry on the development of the UK hydrogen economy. Read the report
PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT OF CALLS FOR RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDING
An exciting and unique opportunity to be part of a major new hydrogen research programme in the UK.
Download the pre-announcement
16/06/2023 Update: Please keep an eye out on these webpages for a forthcoming announcement about flexible funding via the UK-HyRES Hub.
Subject to review, UK-HyRES plans to issue three calls to fund new innovative and impactful hydrogen research projects. There is a £4.7M (Full Economic Cost, FEC) flexible budget for these projects, with the the first call in May 2023. This is a pre-announcement to encourage early project development.
Projects should:
1. be based at organisations (usually universities) that are eligible for EPSRC funding,
2. normally involve multi-disciplinary investigator teams mainly in engineering and the physical sciences though involvement of research elements in the social sciences will be strongly encouraged where appropriate,
3. involve substantive co-funding, co-creation and co-management with one or more industry, business, policy, civic and third-sector partners normally in the UK,
4. normally align with one or more key research areas identified during the Co-ordination phase of UK-HyRES (see workshop reports) (fuel cells and blue hydrogen are outside the remit of the Hub, see Call), align with national policy including the Hydrogen Strategy,
5. have clearly articulated positive and sustainable impacts in key areas such as carbon emissions to Net Zero, energy security, cost competitiveness, wealth creation and social acceptance, last up to 3 years, with maximum funding per project of about £425k FEC (shorter projects, funded pro rata, may include ”sprints” of 3-6 months duration),
6. have an end date by 30 April 2027,
7. have clearly articulated plans to embed principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Responsible and Ethical Research and Innovation and Development of Early Career Researchers and consider research collaboration outside UK-HyRES including with the HI-ACT Hydrogen Systems Integration Hub.
Proposal review
Project proposals will be assessed anonymously (“double blind”). Separate capacity and capability statements provided by the research teams will be assessed independently in order to inform funding decisions. An expert panel will rank and make a final decision about which projects will be funded. As well as research excellence, the panel will ensure that projects cover the breadth of the UK-HyRES remit.
Applicant benefits
Successful projects will benefit from strong support from the Hub’s management teams, constructive reviews, networking with Hub partners and opportunities to shape and take part in the Hub’s annual congresses and other events.