Hydrogen Decentralised Energy Utilisation and Storage (HYDERUS )

The Hydrogen Decentralised Energy Utilisation and Storage (HYDERUS) project will develop and demonstrate a zero-carbon combined heat and power (CHP) system, integrating renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production, delivery, blending, and storage technologies with an Aurelia Turbines A400 (400 kW) gas turbine engine. Led by Costain Group plc, Phase 1 of HYDERUS will conduct a feasibility study into the project models, hydrogen production methods, and CHP demand centres best suitable for the Aurelia Turbine A400\. In Phase 2, the CHP will be installed at the preferred location to generate low-carbon heat and power at Cardiff University's Gas Turbine Research Centre, which sits at the heart of the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) in Neath-Port Talbot. Given the proximity of on-shore wind generation (Mynydd Brombil and Pen y Cymoedd) to the demonstration site, the potential to convert and store local renewable generation as zero-carbon hydrogen through electrolysis will be considered by this feasibility study. Other hydrogen production and delivery options to be evaluated include direct pipeline from BOC Margam steam-methane reformer (SMR), utilisation of process hydrogen from Tata Steel via water-gas shift and pipeline, and on-site SMR with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Direct delivery of low-carbon electricity from the CHP to a local Neath-Port Talbot school, Ysgol Cwm Brombil, will also be evaluated in addition to the local Welsh Assembly Government buildings around the installation site. By developing this novel hydrogen CHP package, the outcomes of HYDERUS then aim to provide a roadmap for decentralised, decarbonised hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation for industrial heat and power throughout SWIC, the UK industrial clusters, and the communities which surround them. By engaging directly with Neath-Port Talbot council, HYDERUS will also provide an interactive training tool for engagement with the students and local community on hydrogen technology. The funding requested from SBRI Phase 1 will be utilised to support this feasibility study in preparation for a larger Phase 2 funding application for the demonstrator to be constructed, installed and operated. Costain Group plc will produce the feasibility study, engaging with key stakeholders across the hydrogen CHP value chain, including Aurelia Turbines, BOC, Cardiff University's GTRC, Cardiff University's Centre for Integrated Renewable Energy Generation and Supply, Neath-Port Talbot Council, Swansea University SPECIFIC, University of South Wales Hydrogen Centre, Vattenfall, Wales and West Utilities, and Welsh Assembly Government.