‘UK’s first hydrogen ecosystem’ in West

The Western Gateway partnership has unveiled a new vision for the region to “turbocharge” development of hydrogen as an energy source.

IAAPS in Emerson’s Green, the University of Bristol and Auriga Energy in Easton have been highlighted among the organisations to form part of this specialist ecosystem that covers the West of England and South Wales.

The aim is to develop a thriving UK low carbon hydrogen sector to help reach net zero goals.

The Western Gateway partnership alongside the GW4 Alliance, which comprises the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, have also launched a new interactive online map. This highlights the organisations across the area that are already working on a range of different potential uses for this energy system.

Katherine Bennett CBE, chair of the Western Gateway Partnership, said: “Hydrogen could provide a solution for many of the persistent challenges we face in trying to decarbonise our global energy system.

“By launching this new hydrogen ecosystem, our partnership is creating a mechanism to encourage collaboration across industry to ensure we are turbocharging the development of this clean energy to bring it to the market.

“We want to send the message that investing in the Western Gateway area gives you access to the wide range of industries and avenues to international trade needed to bring hydrogen use into the mainstream.”

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has long been suggested as a potential energy solution to help the world decarbonise.

Highlighted as a key part of government plans to reach net zero, it is currently being trialled as a potential low carbon energy to power transport, distribution and shipping, as well as for heating homes and decarbonising industry.

Professor Lisa Roberts, chair of GW4 Council and vice-chancellor and chief executive at the University of Exeter, said: “Tackling climate change and accelerating to net zero requires innovative, whole system solutions. Our academics are at the forefront of new and innovative research, from hydrogen storage batteries to cleaner, smarter propulsion systems.”

“Working closely with the Western Gateway, GW4 universities are primed and ready to harness our specialist expertise, regional assets and world-class facilities to help develop and deliver a thriving hydrogen ecosystem for the South West and South Wales area.”

The launch of the hydrogen ecosystem vision has been welcomed by energy minister Greg Hands.

“This pan-regional partnership between South Wales and Western England is a key part of our plans to create growth across the union whilst working together to reach net zero. I look forward to working with them to help reach our climate change targets and capitalise on their ambition to build a green energy super cluster,” said Hands.

Main photo: Western Gateway

Read more: Major players from aerospace industry and beyond launch hydrogen consortium 

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