UK Invests £3 Million in Research for Hydrogen Technologies and Low-Carbon Fuels
Key Ideas
- Research grants totaling £3 million have been awarded by UK HyRES to researchers across the UK to develop technologies for hydrogen and low-carbon liquid fuels.
- The projects aim to address challenges hindering the adoption of hydrogen and low-carbon fuels while building the UK's expertise in this sector.
- Key projects include generating hydrogen directly from seawater, repurposing offshore assets in the North Sea for H2 production, and developing safe storage and transportation methods.
- The research will contribute to achieving the UK's net zero emissions target by 2050 and support the country in transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
The UK Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels (UK HyRES) at the University of Bath has allocated £3 million in funding to researchers nationwide. The goal is to advance technologies that harness the carbon-saving potential of hydrogen and low-carbon liquid fuels. Led by Professor Tim Mays, UK HyRES focuses on hydrogen production, storage, end use, and alternative carriers to propel the UK towards net zero emissions by 2050. The initiative received £11 million from the UK government in 2023 and aims to drive hydrogen research essential for achieving national decarbonization goals. The funded projects, selected from a pool of 160 proposals, will tackle barriers to hydrogen adoption and explore efficient production, safe storage, and transportation methods. Notable projects include electrolyzing seawater for hydrogen production, repurposing North Sea assets for H2 generation, and enhancing hydrogen production through innovative electrolysis. These endeavors also aim to bolster the UK's skills in hydrogen technologies, fostering a pathway to a sustainable and greener future. The diverse projects encompass areas like ammonia reduction for steel production, developing low-cost hydrogen sensors, and optimizing ammonia combustion for low emissions. By investing in cutting-edge research, the UK is positioning itself at the forefront of hydrogen innovation, paving the way for a cleaner energy landscape and contributing to global sustainability efforts.