Launch of Hydrogen South West consortium will accelerate the transition to a net zero future
A group of nine leading organisations covering aerospace, shipping, hi-tech engineering and public utilities have come together to launch Hydrogen South West, to help build an infrastructure ecosystem that will bring the benefits of hydrogen to the South West of England.
Hydrogen South West aims to decarbonise transport, commerce and power, while driving sustainable growth, upskilling the region and delivering new job opportunities.
Focusing on key sectors such as shipping, aviation and housing as well as industry, the consortium comprises easyJet, Airbus and Hynamics (part of EDF Energy); industrial heavyweights GKN Aerospace; consultants and engineers Costain and Wood; and regional leaders Bristol Port, Bristol Airport, and Wales and West Utilities.
The collaboration will aim to create links between supply and demand centres in the region, and enables cross-sector partnerships that will drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technology.
Hydrogen South West supports the government’s ambitious drive to generate 10 GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. It will also provide a means for further representation and collaboration in national initiatives.
Several pilot projects are planned, including a Hydrogen Hub at Bristol Port and Project Acorn.
The Hydrogen Hub study is underway to explore configuring the port to accept hydrogen or ammonia by ship, power landside vehicles with hydrogen and establish a hydrogen production facility at the port. The project includes developing a local pipeline network and supporting Airbus’ hydrogen-powered aircraft of the future
Project Acorn. easyJet aims to begin flying hydrogen aircraft as soon as they are commercially viable. To prepare the ground, the company will continue with the research and development of hydrogen powered Ground Support Equipment at Bristol Airport
“The South West has a rich engineering and energy history, and is home to a powerful cluster of leading aerospace, transport and logistics businesses,” said Simon Earles, Hydrogen South West chair. “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”.
