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