A new programme called HyDEX has been launched in the Midlands with hopes of fostering a new hydrogen economy
Bringing together the university partners in the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA), with multinational businesses, SMEs and other partners HyDEX will push for innovation in hydrogen, build markets and the supply chain, and support the skills needed for the new hydrogen economy.
The new scheme aims to build a thriving new business and industrial and manufacturing sector in hydrogen. Currently very little in the way exists.
This will be achieved by allowing businesses to accelerate the development and viability of new hydrogen products and associated intellectual property, supporting the transition from declining industrial sectors, and providing the necessary training and re-skilling.
Funding
The RED Fund scheme run by Research England, which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will foot the £4.99 million, three-year programme.
This will make available the ERA university partners’ £111m worth of hydrogen facilities, large scale demonstration programmes, and research capabilities to regional businesses.
Expertise
Expertise will lead the way in this project. Leading industrial partners in transport, heating and manufacturing technologies will be at the forefront.
To name just a few these include Worcester-Bosch and Cadent (hydrogen boilers and gas networks); Intelligent Energy (fuel cells); Toyota (hydrogen vehicles); FAUN Zoeller (heavy vehicles); Cenex, ENGIE (Hydrogen Networks); Progressive Energy, ITM Motive (hydrogen generation and transport respectively); Siemens and ENGIE (hydrogen production and storage).
Universities are also integral to the scheme, especially Keele (project lead), Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick.
Additionally, civic partners will be involved such as the Midlands Engine, LEPs, local government and local authorities.
HyDEX has international ambitions and will facilitate links with growing international markets in countries such as China, Australia and South Korea, where ERA partners have strong connections, in order to build commercial opportunities that reach beyond the Midlands and the UK.
Comments
Speaking about HyDEX, Professor Mark Ormerod, deputy vice-chancellor and provost of Keele University, which is leading the programme, said:
“We are very excited to be launching the HyDEX programme and leading it from Keele University. At Keele we have been leading the way in researching the use of hydrogen in the domestic gas heating system and in smart energy systems. This experience and expertise, when combined with the wealth of knowledge in the ERA partnership and our collaborators will enable HyDEX to make a significant impact on the use of hydrogen in the future.”
Professor Martin Freer, director of the Energy Research Accelerator, added:
“The ERA universities have invested significantly in hydrogen infrastructure, creating an array of great facilities and demonstration projects. The HyDEX programme will see experts from our universities, working with Midlands’ businesses to use these facilities to develop new, innovative products.”
Dr Sharon George of Keele University, principal investigator for HyDEX, commented:
“I am looking forward to leading the HyDEX programme. It will be a great challenge – we are seeking to support the building of a hydrogen economy where one currently doesn’t exist. I am confident that with our academic, industrial and public sector partners, we will be able to demonstrate the commercial potential of hydrogen technologies, support businesses to create products, and build the skills base needed to support the transition to hydrogen.”
Wesley Tivnen, decarbonisation lead for Siemens Energy, (UK and Ireland) said:
“For Siemens Energy and the other business partners involved in the programme, HyDEX provides a unique opportunity for us to develop and test our technologies and prove the worth of hydrogen as a crucial green energy source for the UK and world, as we transition to a net-zero society.”
There is an online engagement event about HyDEX for businesses and public sector organisations interested in hydrogen technologies. It is taking place on Friday 11th February from 10am to 11.30am.
