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.
Day 2: 27th September 2023 – Cross-Hub Meetings and SAB Inaugural Gathering
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.
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.