Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 competition: successful projects

The aim of the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 Competition was to identify, support and then develop credible innovative hydrogen supply or enabling technologies to bring about a step change in their development. See the original competition page: Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 competition (closed) The aim of the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 competition is to identify, support and then develop credible innovative hydrogen supply or enabling technologies to bring about a step change in their development. Stream 1 Phase 1 is closed to applications. It will be followed with Stream 1 Phase 2 in late 2022 which will take the most promising projects from Phase 1 and support the proposed physical demonstration of their hydrogen supply solution. Under Stream 1 Phase 1, BEIS awarded c£6 million of funding across 23 projects to conduct feasibility studies on innovative hydrogen supply solutions. The projects cover 4 categories: Low Carbon Hydrogen Production Zero Carbon Hydrogen Production Hydrogen Storage and Transport Net Zero Hydrogen Supply Solutions Low Carbon Hydrogen Production projects This category will support projects which develop low carbon hydrogen production solutions that have some residual direct emissions even when coupled with CCUS. H2Upgrade – Distributed and flexible H₂ production with waste streams Led by University of Cambridge Contract Value: £245,302 Feasibility report: H2Upgrade – Distributed and flexible H₂ production with waste streams H2Upgrade’s vision is to develop a new technology for H₂ generation based on thermochemical water splitting and utilisation of waste streams to enable a step-change in the cost of H₂ production. It will offer a low-cost technology which is energy competition to electrolysers at the 20-30% level. The technology will be developed into a plug-and-play unit, which can be connected to a desirable source of waste streams (gases, solvents, biostreams), offering on-demand, low-cost production of H₂, integrated with waste-stream management and utilisation. The technology is based on abundant iron and manganese-containing materials, with no requirement for rare or noble metals. When heated to high temperatures and pre-treated with reducing components from the waste streams (step 1), the materials gain the ability to efficiently split water in a thermochemical matter, producing high-purity H₂ (step 2). The 2-step, cyclic process takes from the chemical looping approach but is implemented into a small, flexible H2Upgrade unit. The project is led by a highly experienced team of academics from the University of Cambridge and an industrial partner, Gas Recovery and Recycle Limited, who commercialised chemical looping for gas cleaning and recovery. Visit the University of Cambridge website for more information . Microwave energy system for distributed hydrogen production from natural gas with very low CO₂ emissions Led by Suiso Ltd Contract Value: £297,080 Feasibility report: Microwave energy system for distributed hydrogen production from natural gas with very low CO2 emissions (HYS2135) Suiso is the developer of a breakthrough near-zero CO₂ emission, microwave-driven pyrolysis process for the onsite generation of hydrogen from natural / biogas. The company will deliver shipping container sized hydrogen generators, with a capacity to provide 1,000kg of hydrogen or more daily. By producing hydrogen at the point of usage, Suiso’s eliminates the expensive distribution costs incurred by large scale centralised H₂ producers, one the primary obstacles to the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a transport fuel. Suiso’s process reduces CO₂ emissions by 97%+ versus steam methane reforming, uses 80% less energy than electrolysis and has very low equipment capital costs making it the most affordable hydrogen production technology. Suiso captures the carbon in the natural / bio-gas in the form of solid carbon black which has significant commercial value in the production of tyres, batteries, inks and other applications. Existing methods of carbon black production are highly CO₂ emissive so Suiso’s zero emission carbon black will deliver significant CO₂ reductions beyond displacing hydrocarbons from transport. The company has already received enquiries from potential UK and international customers. It will establish development / manufacturing centres in the UK creating significant numbers of jobs in research, production as well as installation / service engineering. Visit the Suiso Ltd website for more information . RECYCLE : Rethinking low carbon hydrogen production by chemical looping reforming Led by the University of Manchester Contract Value: £288,668 Feasibility report: RECYCLE : Rethinking low carbon hydrogen production by chemical looping reforming (HYS2137) The key objective of RECYCLE is demonstrating the enhanced auto-thermal reforming process for the cost-effective small and large-scale hydrogen production with a minimum CO₂ capture rate of 95% and CO₂ avoidance cost at least 30% lower than existing benchmark solvent technologies. The technology proposed is based on a dynamically operated gas-solid reactors which can produce syngas from fossil and bio-based fuel sources and inherently capture the CO₂ generated from the process. The “ RECYCLE ” process operates using modular units. The application of the process spans to, waste valorisation and other gas-to-liquids such as methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and steel production and help to achieve the ambitious targets to decarbonise energy intensive industries by 2050. In Phase 1, the techno-economic feasibility study for 2 large scale hydrogen production will be carried out along with the design of the pilot system with the ambition to build a fully integrated H₂ for a consolidated TRL5 demonstration (Phase II). To ensure a successful implementation of the project and uptake of its outcomes, we have assembled an interdisciplinary consortium of 4 partners led by University of Manchester. The team includes Johnson Matthey, TotalEnergies and the Element Energy covering the entire value chain from material to business development. Visit the University of Manchester website for more information Final report: RECYCLE : Rethinking low carbon hydrogen production by chemical looping reforming Smallscale hydrogen production utilising a waste company’s SRF feedstock to power its own commercial fleet Led by Compact Syngas Solutions Ltd Contract Value: £299,886 Feasibility report: Modular gasification technology for the production of hydrogen from waste (HYS2167) Compact Syngas Solutions, gasification experts based in Deeside, Wales, aim to support the UK’s low-carbon future to bring to market the first-of-its-kind, affordable, modular gasification unit for the production of sustainable transport hydrogen. The project will be delivered by an experienced SME -based consortium and CSS are being supported on the project by: Q-Technologies, a mass spectrometry and sensor specialist based in Liverpool Pure Energy Centre, an engineering company specialising in renewables and hydrogen technologies based in Shetland ASH Group, waste management company headquartered in Oswestry, Shropshire The project aims to demonstrate that it is technically and economically feasible to produce low carbon hydrogen efficiently and reliably at MW-scale, utilising Solid Recovered Fuel feedstock via gasification and that there is available feedstock, infrastructure, route-to-market and end-user demand providing confidence across the UK hydrogen value-chain from production to consumption. Project benefits will be rapidly exploited through a joint venture, using the consortium’s experience and established relationships with waste management companies, private investment and fuel suppliers, it is estimated there is a market for 50 new/innovative hydrogen plants (35kg/ hour of hydrogen modules) in the UK over the next 10-years directly feeding 100MW into the UK 5GW 2030 H₂ plan. Visit the Compact Syngas Solutions Ltd website for more information Production of low carbon hydrogen from high carbon heavy fuel oil via gasification with carbon capture and storage Led by Essar Oil UK Ltd Contract Value: £269,567 Feasibility report: Production of low carbon hydrogen from high carbon heavy fuel oil via gasification with carbon capture and storage (HYS2138) Refining will remain critical to the UK energy mix during the transition to a carbon economy by 2050. There will be an ongoing demand for those refinery products with longer term decarbonisation pathways, such as jet fuel and petrochemical feedstocks. Refineries will have unavoidable by-products, which, without alternative options, will be incinerated for energy or exported. Essar Oil (UK) Limited and supported by Progressive Energy Limited, will undertake a Phase 1 feasibility study to decarbonise these low value, high carbon fossil fuel products through conversion to low carbon hydrogen via gasification with carbon capture - abating emissions and reinforcing the growing hydrogen economy. The study will explore and optimise various combinations of technologies and process configurations to produce highly cost competitive hydrogen, while capturing substantially over 90% of CO₂ for permanent storage, using the Stanlow refinery and HyNet project as an example. Phase 2 would demonstrate identified technical issues supported as required by small scale testing, enabling a design for an industrial scale to be developed through pre- FEED design stage. This would set the basis for a future phase with the ultimate aim of constructing an industrial scale facility as a replicable model for other refineries nationwide. Visit the Essar Oil UK Ltd website for more information Zero Carbon Hydrogen Production projects This category will support projects which develop zero carbon hydrogen production solutions that do not directly produce anthropogenic emissions. Nuclear hydrogen co-generation feasibility study Led by Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd Contract Value: £237,233 Feasibility report: Nuclear hydrogen cogeneration (HYS2153) Systems engineering and technology company, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre are leading a new project to understand and demonstrate the benefits of advanced nuclear reactors for more efficient low-carbon hydrogen production. The project, funded by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, will explore the feasibility of developing a technology demonstrator and test facility that simulates the heat and electricity outputs of a new generation of nuclear plant, based on a variety of small modular reactor ( SMR ) and advanced modular reactor ( AMR ) designs. As well as supporting the development of new designs of SMR and AMR , the facility will help companies which are developing new technologies for low-carbon hydrogen production, enabling them to test and refine their technologies’ performance, with a goal of commercial deployment as part of a nuclear cogeneration installation in the mid-2030s. The proposed test facility will cover hydrogen production by high-temperature electrolysis and thermochemical splitting of water. Both techniques are more energy efficient than conventional electrolysis, while avoiding the high greenhouse gas emissions of steam methane reforming. Visit the Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd website for more information . ASPIRE (Ammonia synthesis plant from intermittent renewable energy) Led by Science and Technology Facilities Council (part of UKRI Research and Innovation) Contract Value: £284,373 Feasibility report: ASPIRE - Ammonia synthesis plant from intermittent renewable energy (HYS2169) In recent years ammonia has gained significant interest as a carbon free fuel and hydrogen carrier. It can be stored and transported at higher energy density and lower cost than hydrogen and has a proven distribution network. Ammonia can be used as a fuel in internal combustion engines and fuel cells and can also be cracked to supply hydrogen. Currently ammonia is made at large chemical plants which run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week fuelled by natural gas (known as brown ammonia). Production is primarily used for fertilisers and is responsible for 1.8% of global carbon emissions. However green ammonia can be made entirely from renewable energy, water and air with minimal carbon footprint. The ASPIRE team is designing a flexible green ammonia plant that can run autonomously and efficiently from an intermittent power source such as wind or solar. ASPIRE offers a solution for the growing problem of matching electricity demand with supply as countries aim to increase dependence on intermittent renewable power. It also offers a zero-carbon fuel that is set to help decarbonise sectors such as marine, non-electrified rail and flexible power plants. Visit the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (part of UKRI Research and Innovation) website for more information . Tetronics hydrogen plasmolysis Led by Tetronics Technologies Ltd Contract Value: £298,711 Feasibility report: Tetronics hydrogen plasmolysis (HYS2125) Tetronics Hydrogen Plasmolysis ( THP ) is a novel process combining elements of electrolysis and thermolysis. It applies the “plasma effect”, which involves both highly concentrated electrical energy as well as the high temperature and pressure gradients arising from the plasma arc. The objective of the project will be to deliver a new, more efficient and lower cost technology for the sustainable, scalable and deployable production of green hydrogen gas – through the utilisation of innovative technology at a relevant scale. Phase 1 will focus on developing technical, economical and operational considerations of the technology. It will include optimisation of the process through testing at a scale two orders of magnitude greater than any previous work; validating THP and informing the design for a demonstration plant, to be built and operated in Phase 2. Phase 2 will build and operate an industrial scale demonstrator plant to validate an up-scaled THP process that can be used to supply green hydrogen with zero CO₂ emissions (assuming the use of green electricity) at greater efficiency and lower cost than current technologies. THP will make a significant contribution to the delivery of a robust Hydrogen Economy – both in the UK and globally. Visit the Tetronics Technologies Ltd website for more information . GreeNH3 Led by Supercritical Solutions Ltd Contract Value: £146,843 Feasibility report: GreeNH3 (HYS2102) The GreeNH3 project will see the deployment of a highly optimised, low capex, ultra-efficient power-to-ammonia facility. Using Supercritical’s proprietary high pressure electrolyser and Proton Ventures’ modular NFUEL unit, GreeNH3 will build the world’s first integrated deployment of Supercritical’s UK developed technology. Proving the production of high pressure green hydrogen and the ability to deliver optimal system benefits in the production of green ammonia, a valuable medium for storage and distribution of green energy. ScottishPower, as operator partner to the project, will site the demonstrator as part of their goal to identify and develop cost effective ways to produce and distribute their green hydrogen. Visit the Supercritical Solutions Ltd website for more information . Low cost production of green hydrogen gas using enhanced recirculating gas reactor technology Led by CATAGEN Ltd Contract Value: £285,372 Feasibility report: Low cost production of green hydrogen gas using enhanced recirculating gas reactor technology (HYS2106) CATAGEN are developing a green hydrogen solution based on its core competencies, skilled team and technologies; developed as a successful Queen’s University Belfast spin out business. This project combines CATAGEN’s recirculating gas reactor technology to create / yield a production machine for high-efficiency green hydrogen production. The process uses water as the net feedstock and renewable electricity enabling zero-carbon H₂ production. There are no electrolysers used in this process; the proposed CATAGEN Green Hydrogen Generator uses a multi-stage thermochemical process in a recirculating reactor to split water with an energy cost of less than 55 kWh/kgH₂. In addition, the proposed solution has an estimated CO₂ saving of 2.8 kgCO₂/kgH₂ during production compared to electrolysis. The output of the project will mean green hydrogen can be produced with reduced energy input, reduced operating costs and lower capital expenditure compared to conventional methods. Further efficiencies are possible due to the high thermal inertia proposed with such a system, allowing maximum energy utilisation from fluctuating power supplies. This means renewable energy can be better utilised for hydrogen production and the cost of production reduced. As experts in recirculating gas reactor technology, CATAGEN is ideally placed to develop this technology taking it through to production. Visit the Catagen Ltd website for more information . Printed circuit board electrolyser Led by Bramble Energy Ltd Contract Value: £299,843 Feasibility report: Printed circuit board electrolyser (HYS2159) In the printed circuit board electrolyser ( PCBEL ) feasibility project Bramble Energy will combine the latest advances in electrolyser membrane technology with manufacturing capabilities from the printed circuit board industry. The PCBEL will deliver a low cost, durable and efficient next generation water electrolyser for green hydrogen production. Developing electrolyser technology with the PCB platform allows for an electrolyser design that is modular, durable and that can be quickly scaled-up at low cost by leveraging existing PCB manufacturing facilities and supply chains. The PCB platform significantly simplifies the design of the electrolyser stack, lowering the number of parts compared to conventional electrolysis systems, reducing manufacturing costs and the number of potential failure points during operation. Within this BEIS funded project Bramble will conduct corrosion and long-term testing of pressurised electrolysers and develop a modular, scalable electrolyser system design. Alongside the technical development and electrolyser testing, Bramble will also develop cost models and plans to manufacture the electrolyser system in the UK and strategy to lower the cost of green hydrogen production. Visit the Bramble Energy Ltd website for more information . Hydrogen Storage and Transport projects This category will support the development of novel hydrogen storage and transport / distribution solutions (including for import / export). Safe and distributed underground storage of green hydrogen in conjunction with storage of power and interseasonal heat Led by Gravitricity Ltd Contract Value: £299,895 Feasibility report: Safe and distributed underground storage of green hydrogen in conjunction with storage of power and interseasonal heat (HYS2143) The future of the hydrogen economy depends on the development of largescale hydrogen storage systems. Gravitricity and Arup believe that we can provide a safe, scalable and commercially viable hydrogen storage solution which will accelerate the growth of the hydrogen economy. Our solution will be flexible to diverse end-use applications and will be capable of responding to a variable supply of hydrogen. Hydrogen will be stored at high pressures in an underground shaft. Underground hydrogen storage utilises surrounding ground pressure to resist bursting, reducing the material costs of the lining compared to current overground solutions, increasing the quantities of hydrogen which can be stored, and reducing the risk of leaks and explosions. With a reduced aboveground footprint, and improved safety measures, the solution has the potential to be employed on a large scale and can be deployed exactly where hydrogen storage is needed. Gravitricity’s long-term ambition is to integrate the underground hydrogen storage technology developed during this project with power storage using solid-weights (recently demonstrated at commercial scale) and with interseasonal heat storage. Gravitricity and Arup are working together to develop and demonstrate the hydrogen storage component of this multi-vector vision as part of the BEIS Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2Competition. Visit the Gravitricity Ltd website for more information Optimised hydrogen liquefaction Led by Gasconsult Ltd Contract Value: £242,400 Feasibility report: Optimised hydrogen liquefaction (HYS2105) BEIS has awarded Gasconsult a contract to undertake a feasibility study to support OHL (Optimised Hydrogen Liquefaction) commercialisation. Hydrogen can power fuel cells, internal combustion engines and gas turbines. When liquefied at -253⁰C its volume is reduced by 800, allowing intercontinental shipment in bulk to industrialised countries. Once liquefied, regional transportation costs are reduced and it can be stored for extended periods, providing clean-fuel back-up for renewable power in the absence of wind or sun. Existing hydrogen liquefaction plants have low production capacities and energy efficiencies. Gasconsult Limited has developed OHL , a lower cost and highly efficient technology. OHL reduces power consumption by 40% compared to existing processes and allows production capacities an order of magnitude higher. The study, performed by Gasconsult and its engineering partner McDermott, will confirm the capital and operating cost data needed to support project developments and investment decisions for construction of OHL plants with capacities up to 300tpd. It will allow OHL , by reducing liquid hydrogen costs, to achieve widespread application as the world transitions to a decarbonised future. Visit the Gasconsult Ltd website for more information . Low cost production of liquid hydrogen fuel carrier using enhanced recirculating gas reactor technology Led by CATAGEN Ltd Contract Value: £288,444 Feasibility report: Low cost production of liquid hydrogen fuel carrier using enhanced recirculating gas reactor technology (HYS2108) CATAGEN are presenting a potential solution based on the core competencies, skilled team and technologies developed as a successful Queen’s University Belfast spin out that works with the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. The objective of this project is to determine the feasibility of developing new capabilities and technologies to combine with known recirculating gas reactor test technology to yield a production machine and process that can produce green syngas with a subsequent second stage reaction to a high density, easily transportable green e-fuel (such as a long chain hydrocarbon). This new process will utilise green hydrogen and CO₂ sequestered from the air as feedstock, with the proposed new production reactor and process to be powered using renewable electricity – resulting in a carbon net-zero, hydrogen-based fuel which can be utilised to help decarbonise existing fleet and difficult sectors such as marine and aviation. The calculated energy to generate 1kg of e-gasoline using this method is 6.5kWh, which is comparable to the energy for compression of 1kg of H₂ for high pressure storage, and ≈10% of the energy required to generate 1kg H₂. The output of the project will mean e-fuel can be produced at a renewable energy site alongside hydrogen production. Visit the Catagen Ltd website for more information Monolithic MOFs for enhanced cryo-adsorbed hydrogen storage Led by Immaterial Ltd Contract Value: £276,615 Feasibility report: Monolithic MOFs for enhanced cryo-adsorbed hydrogen storage (HYS2117) Metal-organic frameworks ( MOFs ) are a class of synthetic ultra-porous materials and the focus of global investment as a solution to hydrogen storage challenges. Hydrogen has a high gravimetric energy density but poor volumetric density, meaning it needs to be stored at very high pressures. Porous materials added to pressure vessels can solve this problem. Gases condense on any surface, like condensation on a mirror. Ultra-porous materials have exceptionally high surface areas, magnifying this effect. MOFs can therefore soak up gas like sponges soak up water, drastically improving storage without high pressures. Despite significant developments over the last 7 years, the major challenge is that MOF materials have not achieved sufficient volumetric performance. Immaterial is a UK advanced materials company specialised in MOFs . Its unique, patented technology – the monolith – densifies MOFs into pure crystals. Immaterial’s first generation storage material has broken the world record for adsorbed hydrogen storage achieving 45 g/L at 25 bar and 77K (-196°C). We have been working with leading international groups on validation of the material performance. This project will be the first time Immaterial will have the opportunity to develop a demonstrator and realise the potential in an entire category of hydrogen storage – cryo-adsorbed storage. Visit the Immaterial Ltd website for more information . Final report: Monolithic MOFs for enhanced cryo-adsorbed hydrogen storage Bulk scale storage and transportation of hydrogen using LOHC Led by Environmental Resources Management Ltd Contract Value: £210,083 Feasibility report: Bulk scale storage and transportation of hydrogen using LOHC (HYS2171) The project will evaluate the feasibility of using conventional oil facilities for storing hydrogen in the form of a liquid organic hydrogen carrier ( LOHC ). LOHC enables large volumes of hydrogen to be stored within its molecular structure, with a similar hydrogen density as liquid hydrogen. However, unlike liquid hydrogen, it can be handled and stored at atmospheric temperature and pressure and therefore does not require highly insulated and pressurised containment. It also has low flammability in liquid form and does not have the high toxicity of other carriers such as ammonia, or carbon content of methanol. The project will evaluate the feasibility of storing LOHC in conventional oil storage tanks, transporting it via oil pipelines, transporting it at bulk scale using conventional marine or rail tankers and the potential for it to be loaded and unloaded at existing oil jetties using standard equipment (loading arms, valves, pumps, etc). It will also assess the potential for LOHC to be transported by road in conventional road tankers and stored in on-site oil tanks for industrial or commercial use. Both the technical and economic feasibility will be determined. Visit the Environmental Resources Management Ltd website for more information . High-Store Led by TWI Ltd Contract Value: £299,500 Feasibility report: High­-Store (HYS2172) The High-Store project delivers a relatively low cost dehydrogenation technology that offers the equivalent storage capacity of liquefied hydrogen, but avoids its energy penalties and safety challenges. Liquefaction or compressing gaseous hydrogen to 700bar involves using considerable energy and likely boil-off wastage, both having safety risks. Liquid hydrogen at -253°C can burn or explode if leaked, and some gas pressure vessels can release high levels of energy if ruptured. Compression of hydrogen gas to 700bar uses approximately 6.0kWh/kg, leading to approximately 1.3kg of CO₂/kg and approximately three times this for liquefaction. Hydrogen stored at 30bar using the High-Store technology after production by electrolysers at 30bar, should contain the same equivalent volume of hydrogen as if it were liquefied. When run directly from renewables, zero CO₂ is produced for the vessel refill, due to compatible reaction pressures. Nottingham University (world leading researcher in clean tech storage) has researched the use of a low cost hydrogen storage medium, to be integrated with a dehydrogenation circuit from TWI Ltd (RTO materials and joining technologies). These technologies will be made available to Chesterfield Special Cylinders Ltd, whose market leading UK position in racked hydrogen cylinders provides an ideal route to market. Visit the TWI Ltd website for more information . Net Zero Hydrogen Supply Solutions projects This category will support solutions aiming to decarbonise the wider energy system. HyTN - Hydrogen from thermochemical and nuclear Led by National Nuclear Laboratory Contract Value: £242,619 Feasibility report: HyTN - Hydrogen from thermochemical and nuclear (HYS2115) Nuclear power is already a high capacity source of zero carbon electricity generation in the UK, making up 40% of our existing clean electricity supply. The next generation of nuclear reactors, Advanced Modular Reactors ( AMRs ), could play a similarly significant role in the world energy system, not just electricity, through the generation of large quantities of hydrogen at a scale at costs that enable it to be used as a primary energy vector. AMRs operate at higher temperatures of up to 950°C and have the potential to unlock the operation of unique high temperature processes for the production of hydrogen and subsequent conversion of this hydrogen into suitable energy vectors such as ammonium and synthetic hydrocarbons. Worldwide studies have shown these thermochemical technologies for nuclear enabled hydrogen production have significant potential to generate hydrogen at scale and low cost. The UK has limited knowledge and understanding of these technologies to date. Therefore, this project proposes a programme of work to unlock a technology combination through demonstration, that can deliver large scale low cost hydrogen production to enable a greater rollout of hydrogen solutions, to contribute to the wider net zero energy system. Visit the National Nuclear Laboratory website for more information . HyProducer: Cascade tank system for hydrogen storage and delivery from LOHC Led by Environmental Resources Management Ltd Contract Value: £167,821 Feasibility report: Cascade tank LOHC system for hydrogen storage and delivery (HYS2176) Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier ( LOHC ) is a liquid that can store large quantities of hydrogen at atmospheric temperature and pressure. The hydrogen can be released from the LOHC on demand using a release system and used to supply a wide range of hydrogen applications. The LOHC is stored in tanks which have to be provided for both the ‘live’ LOHC as well as tanks to store the depleted LOHC once the hydrogen has been removed. This depleted LOHC is then returned by the supplier to be recharged. The aim of this project is to develop a unique cascade tank system which significantly reduces the footprint and cost of the storage tanks. The system is designed to enable hydrogen to be stored and then released from the LOHC and the ‘depleted’ LOHC kept within the same tank. This is achieved using multiple integrated compartments to fill and empty in sequence, greatly reducing the overall volume of tankage required. This approach can make a significant contribution to the commercialisation of using LOHC for many hydrogen applications. Visit the Environmental Resources Management Ltd website for more information . Dragonfly valve: zero-emission flow control for the hydrogen supply chain Led by Actuation Lab Ltd Contract Value: £218,219 Feasibility report: Dragonfly valve: zero-emission flow control for the hydrogen supply chain (HYS2154) Valves control the flow of hydrogen throughout the entire hydrogen supply chain. Yet existing valve types were never designed to meet the challenges of containing hydrogen, the leakiest element. By design, traditional valves must have a “stem”, a shaft that connects the internal valve to a handle or actuator that opens and closes it. Up to 50% of fugitive emissions from industrial processes are estimated to come from worn valve stem seals. If this same dated valve technology is applied to the growing hydrogen supply chain, the rate of leakage will be significantly higher owing to greater ease of hydrogen escape. Hydrogen leakage represents a serious issue for the hydrogen supply chain, with its low ignition energy and a global warming potential 5x that of CO₂. With the support of BEIS , Actuation Lab is developing the zero-emission “Dragonfly Valve”. The Dragonfly is being designed from the ground up with hydrogen flow control in mind. Its design eliminates the traditional mechanical valve stem, removing all routes for emissions. This project will advance the technical and commercial readiness of the Dragonfly Valve and facilitate the building of a consortium of innovative manufacturers and trial partners to demonstrate the technology in 2023. Visit the Actuation Lab Ltd website for more information . 100MW Green hydrogen hub design Led by Emerald Green Power Ltd Contract Value: £253,677 Feasibility report: 100MW Green hydrogen hub design (HYS2122) Emerald Green Power leads a consortium, comprising of the University of Exeter and City Science Corporation looking at the feasibility of deploying 100MW Green Hydrogen Hubs to decarbonise the UK, using AI driven digital twin technology, that maps the existing carbon footprint of Industrial Parks, as a method of determining the most efficient path forward. Producing outline Green Hydrogen Hub designs focusing on reliability, cost-reduction, integration, and flexibility that can be deployed efficiently to decarbonise industrial regions, is a key focus of the project. Working closely with Exeter City Council we will create a multi-year action plan to turn the Cities Net Zero aspirations into a reality, using simulation and emulation of various, different Smart City Energy Grid alternatives that will help all Councils, Industry, and Businesses in the UK to follow the most effective route to Net-Zero. Visit the Emerald Green Power Ltd website for more information . Hy4Transport Led by Cadent Gas Ltd Contract Value: £296,174 Feasibility report: Hy4Transport (HYS2163) Hydrogen distributed by repurposed gas networks, for use in the transport sector, has the potential to become a reality in less than 10 years if the challenges regarding purity and cost are addressed. Due to the inherent contaminants within the current gas network, some form of purification technology will be required at future refuelling stations to enable the network to supply fuel cell grade hydrogen to vehicles. Cadent’s Green Gas Transport Pathway study forecasts hydrogen demand of up to 100TWh for UK surface transport by 2050 – and investing now in developing innovation opportunities to address this purification challenge will unlock significant potential for hydrogen to decarbonise transport. The Cadent-led Hy4Transport project is looking to overcome this barrier in collaboration with our established consortium (consisting of Arup & Partners Limited, Kiwa Limited, DNV, NPL Management Limited, Gemserv, and independent experts from Imperial College London through Imperial Consultants). The Hy4Transport project aligns with the government’s 10 Point Plan to drive growth of low-carbon hydrogen, accelerate a shift to zero-emission vehicles, and support green public transport. The project could help position the UK as a key innovator in the decarbonisation of transport and hydrogen supply - utilising a repurposed gas network. Visit the Cadent Gas Ltd website for more information . System design and integration for the offshore production of green hydrogen (H₂) using floating wind farms ( FWFs ) Led by BPP Technical Services Ltd Contract Value: £299,975 Feasibility report: System design and integration for the offshore production of green hydrogen ( H2 ) using offshore wind farms (OWFs) (HYS2104) Climate change and technological improvements are driving growing opportunities for green hydrogen (H₂) production, making H₂ increasingly commercially attractive. Due to increased pressure for green-energy from governments and the public, low-carbon H₂ is forecasted to see continued growth in demand, from 35-1,100 TWh/year in 2030 to 300-19,000 TWh/year. Despite this interest, currently 99% of global H₂ is produced with fossil-fuels. H₂ production integrated into floating wind farms ( FWF ) can contribute significantly to this requirement. However, while the system components (such as electrolysers, wind turbines and platforms) are commercially available (at TRL9 ), the overall system design and integration is only at TRL3-4 . A FWF is a significant investment of time and money, and FWF developers need to identify reliable designs with predictable performance. Producing H₂ offshore using FWF power offers a commercial solution to store and deliver energy onshore. BPP Technical Services Limited (BPP-TECH) is collaborating with principal manufacturers of equipment in this field, including H₂ production, storage and distribution, to develop the system definition along with integration tools needed to combine high available TRL components. This project will enable the investigation of design feasibility and the economics of a net zero H₂ solution and large-scale production of green H₂ from FWFs . Visit the BPP Technical Services Ltd website for more information . The aim of the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 competition is to identify, support and then develop credible innovative hydrogen supply or enabling technologies to bring about a step change in their development. Stream 1 Phase 2 is closed to applications. Under Stream 1 Phase 2, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero awarded around £19 million of funding across the following 5 projects to support physical demonstration of innovative hydrogen supply solutions. RECYCLE : REthinking low Carbon hYdrogen production by Chemical Looping rEforming Led by: University of Manchester Contract Value: £5,110,204.52 The key objective of RECYCLE is demonstrating the enhanced autothermal ­reforming process for the cost -effective production of pure hydrogen. The process could be applied in refineries, chemical production and iron and steel industries with a minimum CO2 capture rate of 99% and reduced costs of production. The key innovation of the process is represented by the syngas generation plant based on dynamically operated chemical looping packed bed reactors that could provide heat for the reforming reaction while inherently producing pure carbon dioxide that is separated and not emitted in the atmosphere. The RECYCLE plant is a competitive solution for the production of low c­arbon hydrogen using both natural gas, biobased streams­ and waste feedstock to provide low c­ost hydrogen. Being a modular process, it can be applied at different scales, covering a wide range of industrial operators. This could enable blue and renewable hydrogen for small-scale emitters, delocalised industrial sites, and manufacturing processes given the expected low hydrogen cost compared to green hydrogen from electrolyser or direct electricity to­ ­heat. This 2 ­year project will demonstrate the RECYCLE integrated plant with a capacity of 20 kW of pure hydrogen (>99.9%), for 500 hours, with a carbon dioxide separation rate of 80 kg/day in a wide range of operating conditions industrially relevant and sensitive to generate a cost reduction for hydrogen by 10% compared to alternative options. The demonstration will be carried out at the University of Manchester in the Pilot Area in the James Chadwick Building of the recently established Sustainable Industrial Hub. Led by the University of Manchester the consortium includes Johnson Matthey, TotalEnergies, Helical Energy, Kent Energies plc and Element Energy. At the end of the project, RECYCLE should be ready to move to a precommercial scale aiming to generate up to 8TWh/y of hydrogen (approximately 4% of UK capacity) by providing­ process solutions for both energy intensive and manufacturing industries and support the UK strategic plan to reach NetZero by 2050. ASPIRE (Ammonia Synthesis Plant from Intermittent Renewable Energy) Led by: Science and Technology Facilities Council Contract value: £4,283,445.42 In recent years ammonia has gained significant interest as a carbon free fuel and hydrogen carrier. It can be stored and transported at higher energy density and lower cost than hydrogen and has a proven distribution network. Ammonia can be cracked to supply hydrogen or used as a zero carbon fuel in combustion engines and fuel cells. Currently the majority of ammonia is made at large chemical plants which run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week fuelled by natural gas (known as grey ammonia). Production is primarily used for fertilisers and is responsible for 1.8% of global carbon emissions. Blue ammonia is the term for grey ammonia with a downstream carbon capture system to reduce the carbon emissions however carbon lifecycle assessment has shown that blue ammonia only leads to a halving of the carbon emissions. Green ammonia can be made entirely from renewable energy, water and air with minimal carbon footprint. The ASPIRE team is building a novel flexible green ammonia demonstration plant that can run autonomously and efficiently from an intermittent power source such as wind or solar. The market for green ammonia is predicted to expand rapidly due to the need to decarbonise current grey production but also due to new applications that support net zero. These include facilitating an economically viable supply chain of hydrogen and decarbonising sectors such as shipping and flexible power plants that currently run on fuel oil and natural gas or diesel. The flexibility of the ASPIRE technology could enable maximum utilisation of the available renewable energy resulting in the lowest possible cost of green ammonia. The ASPIRE team aim to demonstrate that the technology can be cost competitive with the incumbent grey and planned blue ammonia plants which are both dependent on volatile natural gas prices. Tetronics Hydrogen Plasmolysis Demonstrator Led by: Tetronics Contract Value: £3,664,744.92 The aim of the Phase 2 project is to design, build and test a plasmolysis demonstration plant at a larger scale than that developed in the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply Phase 1 project whilst integrating the plasmolysis system into wider process units to produce a usable hydrogen product. The Phase 2 demonstration plant will be designed to produce up to 7 kg/h of hydrogen with a 300 kWe power input making it a scale comparable to commercially available electrolysis plants. As well at achieving a level of scale up, the demonstration plant will be designed as an end ­to­ end system producing a hydrogen product suitable for direct use as an industrial gas. This will demonstrate the scalability of the Tetronics Hydrogen Plasmolysis ( THP ) technology, increase its Technology Readiness Level and thereby create confidence in the ability to produce large MW sized plants. The Phase 2 project will include the design, procurement, building and commissioning of a 300 kW THP plant. Once commissioned, operational trials will be undertaken to demonstrate the technology at scale and produce data to allow for the quantification of various metrics such as hydrogen production, energy use and efficiency. These large-scale trials will allow for the process to undergo further optimisation and refinement acting as a steppingstone to the development of a 1 MW reference plant. The successful development of Phase 2 should mark the advent of a scalable technology for producing green hydrogen at a higher yield than current alkaline and PEM electrolysis. In addition, the demonstration of the end­ to­ end plant will show that a THP facility will have a reduced CAPEX compared to other electrolysis technologies. The THP plant will be designed to have a longer life cycle of circa 20 years instead of the 7­-11 years average for PEM cells. Final report: Tetronics Hydrogen Plasmolysis Demonstrator Monolithic MOFs for enhanced cryo-adsorbed hydrogen storage Led by: Immaterial Contract value: £3,358,428.52 Cryo­adsorbed technology has been considered one of the most promising concepts for tackling the intractable problem of low cost, high volume, ergonomic storage of hydrogen for many years. This type of storage uses benign conditions to store hydrogen in a condensed (adsorbed) phase using ultra­-porous materials that soak up gas like a sponge soaks up water. Unlike other materials-based solutions this is a physical, not a chemical condensation, and does not require significant energy to return the hydrogen to gas phase. Immaterial’s unique, patented technology – the monolith – densifies ultra­porous materials called metal­organic frameworks ( MOFs ) into pure crystals, enabling cryo-­adsorbed storage with global implications. Immaterial’s Generation 2 storage materials breaks the world record for adsorbed hydrogen storage, achieving 59 g/L at 100 bar and 77K (liquid nitrogen temperatures). Immaterial is applying this technology as a new type of fuel tank for transport applications including rail, HGV , bus, forklift, and small marine. In these applications, volume (range) is of critical importance as is total cost of ownership. Immaterial’s cryo­adsorbed technology enables more than double the volumetric performance of the current technology in use (350 bar) whilst using conformal (non­cylindrical) tanks, that are lower cost, and cost less to refuel. The group of thirty partners all have different perspectives – transport original equipment manufacturers or OEMs, fleet operators, tank design, hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, energy companies, safety, and specialist technologists from global materials science. This project will demonstrate the technology in the real world through integration with a double decker bus, and the demonstration will be overseen by representatives from other transport sectors. The project builds the skills base in the UK and should contribute significantly to the UK’s hydrogen and high value manufacturing economies. Dragonfly Valve: Zero-Emission Flow Control for the Hydrogen Supply Chain Led by: Actuation Lab Contract value: £2,992,596.93 Fugitive emissions from gas valves present a significant environmental problem which must be addressed to progress towards a zero­-carbon economy. Preventable hydrogen supply valve leakage in 2050 is predicted to be ~25–33 Mt of CO2e/year. Current natural gas valve leakage totals between 71–93 Mt of CO2e/year. Actuation Lab is developing novel, zero­emission valves to address this challenge, based on their proprietary ‘Dragonfly’ mechanism. This design removes the traditional mechanical valve stem, the main source of valve fugitive emissions, replacing it with non­contact, maintenance-­free transmission that acts through the solid valve wall. By removing the need for a seal between body and moving valve stem, the Dragonfly Valve can be completely sealed to atmosphere using proven static seals (non­wear O-­ring or gasket) or welds. This demonstration project aims to develop Actuation Lab’s leak free Dragonfly valve to TRL 7, allowing for commercial deployment of a leak free valve solution that will be required for the realisation of a hydrogen economy. The project is set to span 23 months and is broken down into 6 work packages: Project Management and reporting, Business Development/Knowledge Dissemination, Engineering Design Verification, Manufacture and Assembly, Test Certification and Qualification, and Demonstration. Actuation Lab will work with their partner, University of South Wales who will be demonstrating the valve over the course of 6­ months following the completion of physical testing. If successful in completing this project and rolling out the technology broadly, realistic direct emission savings of 46.5 MtCO2e/year could be achieved by 2050, 465,000 tCO2e/year in the UK. Indirect emission savings come from enabling scaling of hydrogen production infrastructure where maintenance/safety risks prevent projects from scaling. Enabling widespread green hydrogen production globally could allow 2,002 MtCO2e emissions savings, of which 40 MtCO2e in the UK. Final report: Dragonfly Valve: Zero-Emission Flow Control for the Hydrogen Supply Chain The aim of the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 competition was to identify, support and then develop credible innovative hydrogen supply or enabling technologies to bring about a step change in their development. Stream 2 is closed to applications. Under Stream 2, BEIS awarded c£38 million of funding to 5 projects to support physical demonstration of innovative hydrogen supply solutions. Projects Gigatest Led by ITM Power (Trading) Ltd Contract Value: £7,709,749 Gigatest will be an enabler for ITM Power to accelerate both the commercial development of its 4th-generation Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser stack, and its new Gigafactory manufacturing site (located in Sheffield). Through this project ITM Power seeks to commercialise the lowest-cost green hydrogen solution on the market, supporting rapid decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors whilst also strengthening the UK’s leadership in clean energy technologies. As part of Gigatest ITM Power will build its first 4th-generation electrolyser stack. This follows conceptual designs developed through previous BEIS funding competitions. Following construction, the stack will undergo rigorous testing in Sheffield in representative conditions to validate the performance and in a 4MW field trial at a commercial site to validate the technology in real-world conditions, ensuring the technology is ready for large-scale commercialisation. ITM Power’s 4th-generation stack has multiple advantages over current competitors including: lower capital costs, higher current density, and a smaller physical footprint for the system. These advantages will greatly enhance the stack’s ability to operate under flexible conditions when coupled to renewable energy, therefore producing green hydrogen at the lowest cost on the market. ITM Power is confident the 4th-generation stack will be globally best-in-class, offering multiple advantages over other technology platforms, and aims to establish it as the mainstream green-hydrogen solution in the UK and global markets. Furthermore, Gigatest will be critical to ITM Power for deployment and validation of key manufacturing equipment at its new Gigafactory. This will contribute to the enabling of semi-automated mass-production processes suitable for the components of the electrolyser stacks. ITM Power’s new Gigafactory will be crucial in ramping-up green hydrogen production in the UK and establishing the UK as a global export leader of electrolyser technologies. Advancements in manufacturing techniques and equipment through Gigatest will allow ITM Power to realise a manufacturing capacity of 1GW/year by 2024 whilst maintaining the highest quality standards for the 4th-generation stack. Gigatest will make an important contribution to the UK’s 2030 hydrogen production target of 5 GW and to securing highly skilled manufacturing jobs in the UK. Visit the ITM Power (Trading) Ltd website for more information . Gigatest: final report Hydrogen Turbine 1 (HT1) Led by Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd Contract Value: £9,292,246 Vattenfall’s 8.8MW Hydrogen Turbine 1 (HT1) project will be a world-first full scale demonstration combining offshore wind and zero carbon green hydrogen production. The hydrogen production will take place at Vattenfall’s operational 97MW EOWDC Aberdeen Bay offshore windfarm – a testbed for new and exciting innovation. The electrolyser will be integrated into the turbine itself. Our innovative solution brings together multiple technologies and parties in a new and challenging offshore environment, the project will demonstrate technical ability and will help pave the way for the UK’s Hydrogen economy. HT1 consists of hydrogen production equipment: including desalination, electrolysis and associated balance-of-plant closely integrated with the turbine power electronics, physically coupled with the turbine, on an extended platform which will encircle the base of the turbine. Turbine power will be dedicated to hydrogen production, and the electrolyser is expected to operate without requiring energy supply from the national grid. The hydrogen will be transported to shore via pipeline for processing and delivery to end users. To accelerate demonstration of the pilot and maximise cost efficiencies, Vattenfall will aim to commence operation by early 2025. HT1 will deliver hydrogen into the Aberdeen area, where it can then be utilised by various offtakers. Aberdeen has a highly skilled workforce that could support the project and benefit from its delivery. Vattenfall believes that the “deep offshore integration” concept can provide low-cost hydrogen at scale. HT1 is a vital step in Vattenfall’s plan to rapidly scale the concept to GW-size projects by 2030. By using existing assets we will expedite development time, maximise cost efficiency and provide learnings for the entire offshore wind industry. Visit the Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd website for more information . Final report: Hydrogen Turbine 1 (HT1) ERM Dolphyn - Commercial Scale Demonstration Led by Environmental Resources Management Ltd Contract Value: £8,624,629 ERM Dolphyn is focused on the production of ‘green’ hydrogen at multi-GW scale from offshore floating wind. It is a modular design, which combines electrolysis, desalination and hydrogen production on a floating wind platform. The design has been developed under the UK government’s Hydrogen Supply Competition (2016-2021) and we are delighted to receive further support under the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 programme to continue accelerating its progress. The project focuses on a rapid and efficient means of moving to large-scale deployment. It aims to make a significant contribution to the government’s hydrogen production targets for 2030 and beyond, as well as being fully aligned with the government’s 10 point Plan for net zero. As the technology produces hydrogen directly from seawater and wind, it is a fully sustainable solution and does not put any additional load on the power grid, thereby avoiding grid constraint issues. In so doing it provides UK society with security of supply of net zero energy supplies. This phase builds on the successful delivery of previous phases, with the following activities: offshore demonstration trials to evaluate key systems during 2023. The trials will produce electrolytic hydrogen from seawater in an offshore floating marine environment development of a commercial scale demonstrator by 2025 which aims to produce hydrogen at a commercial price Development of ERM Dolphyn to date has enabled a number of commercial scale sites (100 MW+) to be identified. The first being the 300 MW Dylan site in the Celtic Sea, 60km west of Milford Haven, in collaboration with Source Energie. The aim is to have this project operational by the end of 2028. We aim to utilise the support of the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 programme to further accelerate commercial scale deployment in the UK and internationally. Visit the Environmental Resources Management Ltd website for more information . Final report: ERM Dolphyn - Commercial Scale Demonstration SHyLO: Solid Hydrogen at Low pressures Led by H2GO Power Ltd Contract Value: £4,347,217 Green hydrogen is produced from renewable electricity generation; therefore, there will be intermittency in its generation and storage methods are required during periods of low generation to provide a buffer. Low-pressure solid-state hydrogen storage provides an alternative to other methods, such as compressed gas storage. The ease of its input/output of compressed gas makes it a reliable method of gas storage, however, this method comes with its own challenges. Pressurised vessels on operational sites pose safety challenges, efficiency limitations, high costs at scale associated with compression, and require large areas of land to store. This project will design and build a modular hydrogen storage solution with the proprietary H2GO Power smart reactor technology which is proven and certified. The H2GO product provides a solution where compressed gas is not feasible. The technology can achieve volumetric storage densities of up to 50-100gH2/L, higher than liquid and gaseous state hydrogen storage, thus needing less floor space for storage. Additionally, the technology stores hydrogen at ambient temperatures and pressures, making it a safer, lower cost, and more efficient alternative to high-pressure storage solutions onsite for long-duration storage. This has significant cost savings (removing compression or cryogenic cooling costs), space savings and is safer; removing a lot of regulatory requirements, and hydrogen can be stored in periods of days to months providing the security of supply required. This first construction of a modular pilot is critical for the technology evaluation at a commercial scale to establish a viable solution and a market offering. The program of works will integrate H2GO hydrogen storage reactors into a shipping container with the associated heat management and process safety controls to confirm the solution. This solution will then be integrated into the EMEC network of hydrogen assets to assess its performance and commercial viability. Visit the H2GO Power Ltd website for more information . Final report: SHyLO: Solid Hydrogen at Low pressures Tyseley Ammonia to Green Hydrogen Led by Gemserv Ltd Contract Value: £6,690,711 A consortium of Gemserv, EQUANS, H2Site, Tyseley Energy Park, University of Birmingham and Yara will design, build, commission, and operate the world’s largest and most efficient ammonia to hydrogen integrated membrane reactor. The ammonia cracker developed under the programme will deliver 200kg/day of transport-grade hydrogen. It will be located at Tyseley Energy Park and co-located alongside an existing refuelling station. The project aims to dramatically improve the efficiency and economics of decentralised hydrogen production through the use of integrated membrane reactors. It will accelerate the development of decentralised green hydrogen solutions in the UK and position the country at the forefront of an emerging global market. Visit the Gemserv Ltd website for more information . Final report: Tyseley Ammonia to Green Hydrogen