<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/3834DD2F-9B3E-4F8E-80E8-E9CA9F6FC7B1" ns1:id="3834DD2F-9B3E-4F8E-80E8-E9CA9F6FC7B1"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/A2E644DD-0E5F-4FC5-A59C-A02A5E43B596" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/08B6A911-226A-483D-9521-5653E6C121A4" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/08B6A911-226A-483D-9521-5653E6C121A4" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/4F273F3F-9009-467F-B852-F7BB4866DF68" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-03-30T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/4D0A786A-10A6-45A7-B859-E69646FE9C9E" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-08-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10159920</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>GH2DEM: Clean Maritime Propulsion via Direct Seawater Electrolysis and Ambient Hydrogen Storage</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Genuine H2 (GH2) was founded to solve a practical and pressing problem in maritime: how to remove the dependency on diesel engines for propulsion and onboard system energy. The idea emerged from work on a super?maxi racing yacht, where, despite advanced sail systems, a diesel engine was still needed to power hydraulics and charge batteries. This wasn't just inefficient---it highlighted a wider sustainability challenge that spans the maritime sector, from recreational yachts to commercial ships.

To address this, we set out to create a?clean, compact hydrogen system?that could fully replace diesel for both propulsion and auxiliary power---without relying on complex shoreside infrastructure. The solution had to be light, safe, and self-sufficient for offshore use, especially for vessels with limited space and demanding operational needs.

The result is a?novel hydrogen power system?that brings together two major innovations:

1. Proprietary seawater-compatible electrodes?that produce hydrogen directly from unpurified seawater, eliminating the need for desalination.
2. And an inert, molecular nano-film hydrogen storage solution that operates safely at ambient pressure and temperature, removing the need for high-pressure tanks or cryogenic systems.

Combined, these can deliver a safe and potentially-unlimited range energy solutions for all forms of maritime vessels.

These innovations will now be scaled and manufactured for the?first time in the UK?in partnership with?CPI, an advanced manufacturing centre. CPI will take GH2's lab-scale prototypes and apply scalable industrial methods to demonstrate that the system can be built reliably and affordably in the UK supply-chain.

This project also marks the?first integration and demonstration of Brunel University's heavy duty single-cylinder hydrogen internal combustion engines. The engine will be powered by GH2's electrolyser and storage system, forming a full hydrogen energy chain---from renewable energy via seawater to propulsion.

Testing will take place in an onshore setting in full compliance with competition guidelines.?Hydrologiq Ltd will support with independent performance monitoring, ensuring robust, verifiable results, and Super6 will support with supercapacitor technology to control the electrical energy flow.

GH2 has been recognised as a finalist in the Northwest Hydrogen Challenge and Sustainable Ventures' Better Futures programme, which supports cleantech companies working toward net zero, as well as the Wharton School's Turner MIINT Impact Investment programme. By removing the need for pressurised hydrogen tanks or shore-based fuelling, GH2's system creates a?viable route for vessels to adopt hydrogen quickly and safely. What began as a challenge on a yacht has become a UK-first clean energy system---ready to help decarbonise the maritime industry, vessel-by-vessel.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>