Brighton researchers help test world’s first hydrogen-powered crematorium

Researchers from the University of Brighton are part of a groundbreaking trial underway in West Sussex to create the world’s first hydrogen-powered crematorium.

The University of Brighton team are partners in the Worthing HyCrem project, which will see Worthing Crematorium become the first to utilise hydrogen energy.

This initiative significantly contributes to Worthing Borough Council’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

The project involves running one of the crematorium’s three units exclusively on green hydrogen for a four-week period.

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity sources, offers a clean alternative to conventional natural gas, which contributes significantly to the carbon footprint of a typical crematorium.

University of Brighton researchers from the School of Applied Sciences will monitor air quality throughout the trial.

This will enable them to identify any potential changes in emissions resulting from the switch to hydrogen.

Following completion of the trial, the project team will evaluate the findings and develop a business case for permanently reducing emissions at the crematorium using the most suitable technology.

Dr Kirsty Smallbone, dean of the School of Applied Sciences, said: “This project is a great example of the University of Brighton’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

“Our researchers are actively involved in developing solutions to tackle climate change and contribute to a greener future here in our city, across our region and around the world.

“We’re proud to be part of this pioneering initiative, working with local, national and international partners.

“By monitoring air quality, we can ensure that the transition to hydrogen power is not only environmentally beneficial, but also maintains the highest air quality standards.”

Cllr Sophie Cox, cabinet member for climate emergency at Worthing Borough Council, added: “We declared a climate emergency in 2019 and as a council we’re determined to focus our efforts on finding ways to reduce our emissions and become a net zero council by 2030.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this world-leading project, which will help us and other local authorities deepen our understanding on how to use technology to reduce carbon emissions at energy-intensive buildings like crematoriums.”

Abigail Dombey, HyCrem project manager at Net Zero Associates, developed the original funding application.

She said: “The transition to net zero will involve all areas of life, including how we deal with death.

“We need to decarbonise cremations, so it’s incredibly exciting to be part of this project which will identify how we can do so – and is even a world first.”