Hydrogen South West: Accelerating The Transition To Net Zero

Nine leading organisations are to come together to drive the development of a hydrogen infrastructure ecosystem. Hydrogen Industry Leaders explores how the consortium will enable cross-sector partnerships to produce, utilise, capture, store and transport hydrogen across the South West and beyond.

The nine leading organisations covering aerospace, shipping, hi-tech engineering and public utilities have worked together to launch Hydrogen South West. It aims to decarbonise transport, commerce, and power while driving sustainable growth, upskilling the region, and delivering new job opportunities.

Companies easyJet, Airbus, Hynamics, GKN Aerospace, Costain, Wood, Bristol Port, Bristol Airport, Wales and West Utilities are involved.

The Project Provides An Opportunity To Accelerate The UK’s Hydrogen Economy

Aiming to create links between supply and demand centres in the region, the collaboration enables cross-sector partnerships that will support the drive for the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technology. Several pilot projects are planned by Hydrogen South West, one of these is a hydrogen hub at Bristol Port.

Currently, a story is underway to explore configuring the port to accept hydrogen or ammonia by ship, power landslide vehicles with hydrogen and establish a hydrogen production facility at the port. The pilot project includes developing a local pipeline network and supporting Airbus’ hydrogen-powered aircraft of the future.

Another project, Project Acorn, sees easyJet aim to begin flying a hydrogen aircraft as soon as they are commercially viable. The company will continue with research and development of hydrogen-powered Ground Support Equipment at Bristol Airport.

Hydrogen South West chair, Simon Earles, said: “The South West has a rich engineering and energy history, and is home to a powerful cluster of leading aerospace, transport and logistics businesses,”

This combination of industrial experience, delivery expertise and regional knowledge presents a formidable opportunity to accelerate the UK’s transition to alternative power at scale.

A Focus On Innovation Will Help The UK’s Decarbonisation Journey

By decarbonising transport, commerce, and power, Hydrogen South West aims to deliver expertise and regional knowledge and present an opportunity to accelerate the UK’s transition to alternative power at scale.

Through the partnership, the lessons learned and the expertise deployed will pave the way to decarbonising the UK and showcasing British-led transformation in practice.

Collaborating with Business West to construct a skills development package, Hydrogen South West hopes it will provide upskilling and employment advantages to the region.

By promoting investment and innovation in decarbonising technologies, the South West of the UK is set to become a hydrogen knowledge centre of excellence.