Multimillion Pound Boost for Hydrogen Supercluster in South West England and South Wales

Academic, civic, and industry partners are teaming up to realise the potential of the hydrogen ecosystem in South West England and South Wales. The 'GW-SHIFT' project, steered by Bath University and Exeter University, has received funding of £2.5 million via the EPSRC. This initiative aims to create solutions for storage, distribution, transportation, and energy, with projections indicating the creation of up to 100,000 jobs by 2050.

This ambitious project will bring together researchers from universities across the region, along with civic and industry partners. With additional contributions in access of £1.4 million in funding and in-kind support, the project aims to exploit the potential of the hydrogen ecosystem.

The project is backed by various organisations including the Western Gateway, Great South West, West of England Combined Authority, Hydrogen South West, and SETsquared, GW-SHIFT aims to drive the development of hydrogen skills, infrastructure, and technology.

Hydrogen technologies are crucial for achieving the UK government's 2050 Net Zero target. Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, plays a central role. During the next 48 months, GW-SHIFT will focus on research in production, storage, distribution, conversion, and transportation of low-carbon hydrogen.

Collaborating with existing and new partners, the project aims to create low-carbon hydrogen solutions for aviation, shipping, heating, and power. The potential impact is substantial, with estimates suggesting up to 100,000 jobs being created (40%) or secured (60%).

GW-SHIFT is set to be a key player in the UK's transition to green hydrogen production. The collaboration between universities and industry partners is a crucial step in addressing climate change and driving regional economic growth.

GW-SHIFT's collaborative projects will not only impact policy and our critical industrial base and economic productivity but importantly will also communicate research and findings to the public via roadshows and events, as well as providing materials and demonstrations to schools.

GW-SHIFT will develop a place-based supercluster that will hasten the impact of hydrogen exploration and innovation in our region and help deliver the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target.

In summary, the 'GW-SHIFT' project represents a pivotal collaboration driving hydrogen innovation in South West England and South Wales. With substantial funding and strong partnerships, it aims to revolutionise hydrogen technology, creating thousands of jobs and advancing the UK's Net Zero goals. This initiative stands as a beacon of progress towards a sustainable future.

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