£2.2m hydrogen fuel research centre opens

A £2.2m hydrogen research and demonstration centre opens at the University of Glamorgan this week to investigate the viability and safety of producing hydrogen fuel from indigenous renewable sources in Wales.

Based at Baglan Energy Park near Swansea, the centre will also integrate research into other renewable technologies, including solar photovoltaic and wind power.

Professor Dennis Hawkes who is leading the project explained:

“Rather than an isolated one-off demonstration, this Centre provides the basis for a range of hydrogen energy and transport activities. The project puts Wales at the forefront of European efforts to develop hydrogen communities. The new centre brings together technology and expertise and will provide a platform for new business development, growth and employment in the region.”

Working with the University at the centre, companies will be able to research, develop and demonstrate hydrogen related products and technologies.

Earlier this year, the University also launched the UK’s first minibus to be powered by a fuel cell using hydrogen as its fuel and the University has a number of pilot scale biohydrogen projects.