Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions Hub (HI-ACT)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels (HALF) have an essential role in the net-zero transition by providing connectivity and flexibility across the energy system. Despite advancements in the field of hydrogen research both in the physical sciences and engineering, significant barriers remain to the scalable adoption of hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel technologies, and energy services, into the UK's local and national whole system infrastructure. These are technical barriers, organisational barriers, regulatory and societal barriers, and financial barriers.
There are, therefore, significant gaps between current levels of hydrogen production, transportation, storage, conversion, and usage, and the estimated requirement for achieving net-zero by 2050. To address this, our proposed research programme has four interlinked work packages.
WP1 will develop forward-thinking HALF technology roadmaps. We will assess supply chain availability and security. Selected representative HALF use cases will be used to identify and quantify any opportunities, risks and dependencies within a whole systems analysis. We will also develop an overarching roadmap for HALF system integration in order to inform technology advancement, industry and business development, as well as policy making and social interventions.
WP2 will improve HALF characterisation and explore urgent new perspectives on the energy transition, including those related to ensuring resilience and security while also achieving net-zero. We will contrast the energy transition delivered by real incentives/behaviour versus those projected by widely-used optimisation models. The WP provides the whole systems modelling engine of the HI-ACT Hub, with a diverse array of state-of-the-art tools to explore HALF integration.
WP 3 will explore the vital coupling of data and information relating to whole system planning and operational decision support, through the creation of a cyber physical architecture (CPA). This will generate new learning on current and future opportunities and risks, from a data and information perspective, which will lead to a whole system ontology for accelerated integration of hydrogen technologies.
WP 4 considers options for a future energy system with HALF from a number of perspectives. The first is to consider expert views on HALF energy futures, and the public perceptions of those views. The second perspective considers place-based options for social benefit in HALF energy futures. The third perspective is to consider regulatory and policy options which would better enable HALF futures.
Embedded across the research programme is the intent to create robust tools which are investment-oriented in their analysis. A Whole Systems and Energy Systems Integration approach is needed here, in order to better understand the interconnected and interdependent nature of complex energy systems from a technical, social, environmental and economic perspective.
The Hub is led by Prof Sara Walker, Director of the EPSRC National Centre for Energy Systems Integration, supported by a team of 16 academics at a range of career stages. The team have extensive experience of large energy research projects and strong networks of stakeholders across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They bring to the Hub major hydrogen demonstrators through support from partners involved in InTEGReL in Gateshead, ReFLEX in Orkney, and FLEXIS Demonstration in South Wales for example.
We shall engage to create a vibrant, diverse, and open community that has a deeper understanding of whole systems approaches and the role of hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels within that. We shall do so in a way which embeds Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the approach. We shall do so in a way which is a hybrid of virtual and in-person field work consultation and develop appropriate digital tools for engagement.
There are, therefore, significant gaps between current levels of hydrogen production, transportation, storage, conversion, and usage, and the estimated requirement for achieving net-zero by 2050. To address this, our proposed research programme has four interlinked work packages.
WP1 will develop forward-thinking HALF technology roadmaps. We will assess supply chain availability and security. Selected representative HALF use cases will be used to identify and quantify any opportunities, risks and dependencies within a whole systems analysis. We will also develop an overarching roadmap for HALF system integration in order to inform technology advancement, industry and business development, as well as policy making and social interventions.
WP2 will improve HALF characterisation and explore urgent new perspectives on the energy transition, including those related to ensuring resilience and security while also achieving net-zero. We will contrast the energy transition delivered by real incentives/behaviour versus those projected by widely-used optimisation models. The WP provides the whole systems modelling engine of the HI-ACT Hub, with a diverse array of state-of-the-art tools to explore HALF integration.
WP 3 will explore the vital coupling of data and information relating to whole system planning and operational decision support, through the creation of a cyber physical architecture (CPA). This will generate new learning on current and future opportunities and risks, from a data and information perspective, which will lead to a whole system ontology for accelerated integration of hydrogen technologies.
WP 4 considers options for a future energy system with HALF from a number of perspectives. The first is to consider expert views on HALF energy futures, and the public perceptions of those views. The second perspective considers place-based options for social benefit in HALF energy futures. The third perspective is to consider regulatory and policy options which would better enable HALF futures.
Embedded across the research programme is the intent to create robust tools which are investment-oriented in their analysis. A Whole Systems and Energy Systems Integration approach is needed here, in order to better understand the interconnected and interdependent nature of complex energy systems from a technical, social, environmental and economic perspective.
The Hub is led by Prof Sara Walker, Director of the EPSRC National Centre for Energy Systems Integration, supported by a team of 16 academics at a range of career stages. The team have extensive experience of large energy research projects and strong networks of stakeholders across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They bring to the Hub major hydrogen demonstrators through support from partners involved in InTEGReL in Gateshead, ReFLEX in Orkney, and FLEXIS Demonstration in South Wales for example.
We shall engage to create a vibrant, diverse, and open community that has a deeper understanding of whole systems approaches and the role of hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels within that. We shall do so in a way which embeds Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the approach. We shall do so in a way which is a hybrid of virtual and in-person field work consultation and develop appropriate digital tools for engagement.
Organisations
- University of Birmingham (Lead Research Organisation)
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (Collaboration)
- Al Baha University (Collaboration)
- University of Galway (Project Partner)
- Donegal County Council (Project Partner)
- TUV SUD (UK) (Project Partner)
- EI-H2 (Project Partner)
- Scottish Enterprise (Project Partner)
- Cadent Gas Ltd (Project Partner)
- Loganair Limited (Project Partner)
- University of Surrey (Project Partner)
- HyDEX (Project Partner)
- Altrad Babcock (Project Partner)
- Northern Powergrid (Project Partner)
- Celsa Steel UK (Project Partner)
- Energy Technology Partnership (Project Partner)
- IGEM (Inst of Gas Engineers & Managers) (Project Partner)
- Siemens Energy Ltd (Project Partner)
- ERM ltd (Project Partner)
- Wales & West Utilities (Project Partner)
- The Crichton Trust (Project Partner)
- Robert Bosch GmbH (Project Partner)
- National Grid plc (Project Partner)
- Port of Tyne (Project Partner)
- Toshiba Europe Limited (UK) (Project Partner)
- Scottish and Southern Energy plc (Project Partner)
- British Engines Limited (Project Partner)
- North East LEP (Local Enterprise) (Project Partner)
- Department for Transport (Project Partner)
- Shell Global Solutions International BV (Project Partner)
- OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY CATAPULT (Project Partner)
- Northern Gas Networks (Project Partner)
- Lhyfe UK Ltd (Project Partner)
- Electric Aviation Group (Project Partner)
- Simply Blue Energy (Project Partner)
- Horiba UK Ltd (Project Partner)
- International Energy Research Centre (Project Partner)
- B9 Energy Ltd (Project Partner)
- Scottish Water (Project Partner)
- GE (General Electric Company) UK (Project Partner)
- Mutual Energy Limited (Project Partner)
- North of Tyne Combined Authority (Project Partner)
- Build Solar Limited (Project Partner)
Publications
Alanazi K
(2025)
Renewable hydrogen trade in a global decarbonised energy system
in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Ameli H
(2025)
The impact of hydrogen on decarbonisation and resilience in integrated energy systems
in Advances in Applied Energy
Azimipoor A
(2025)
Operational implications of transporting hydrogen via a high-pressure gas network
in Energy Conversion and Management: X
Biakhmetov B
(2025)
Transportation and process modelling-assisted techno-economic assessment of resource recovery from non-recycled municipal plastic waste
in Energy Conversion and Management
Binqadhi H
(2024)
Motif-based resiliency assessment for cyber-physical power systems under various hazards
in IET Cyber-Physical Systems: Theory & Applications
Cameron C
(2024)
A soft-linking method for responsive modelling of decarbonisation scenario costs
in International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management
Chaudry, M
(2024)
Review of UK Hydrogen Policy Landscape
Chen P
(2024)
A review of hybrid wave-tidal energy conversion technology
in Ocean Engineering
Couraud B
(2024)
An AC OPF based Clearing Mechanism for Local Flexibility Markets
Related Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/X038823/1 | 31/05/2023 | 21/01/2024 | £10,675,390 | ||
| EP/X038823/2 | Transfer | EP/X038823/1 | 22/01/2024 | 30/05/2028 | £9,864,316 |
| Description | Hydrogen as a resilient vector for integrating renewables in rural India agriculture |
| Amount | £60,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 2200 Tapas Kumar Mallick |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2025 |
| End | 03/2026 |
| Description | Integrating Advanced Self-Cleaning Coating and High Thermal Conductive Technologies for Enhancing Solar Photovoltaic Performance in Severe Environment Conditions |
| Amount | £79,832 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 1203758604 Mallick Egypt |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 12/2027 |
| Title | GB Transmission Network Data |
| Description | This dataset provides a comprehensive representation of Great Britain's (GB) electricity transmission network. It is designed for researchers, engineers, and policymakers focusing on power system analysis, network planning, and the integration of renewable energy technologies.The dataset is organised into multiple sheets, with each sheet representing a specific type of network device or component. The rows in each sheet correspond to individual devices, and the columns provide detailed specifications and attributes for those devices. Below is an overview of the dataset structure: Terminals:Columns include: Name, Voltage (kV), Latitude, Longitude.Details the geographical and electrical characteristics of network nodes.Transmission Lines:Columns include: Terminal i, Terminal j, Length (km), R1 (O), X1 (O), Rated Voltage (kV), Nominal Current (kA), B1 (µS), C1 (µF), B0 (µS), C0 (µF).Captures physical and electrical properties of transmission lines.Transformers:Columns include: Name, HV/LV sides, Snom (MVA), Tap Position, r (p.u.), x (p.u.), b (p.u.), r0 (p.u.), x0 (p.u.).Provides technical specifications and operational parameters of transformers.Static Generators:Columns include: Name, Plant Category, Subcategory, Active Power (MW), Apparent Power (MVA), Maximum Power (MW), Maximum Reactive Power Limit (Mvar).Includes information about renewable and non-synchronous generation sources.Synchronous Generators:Columns include: Name, Plant Category, Subcategory, Active Power (MW), Apparent Power (MVA), Max Active Power Limit (MW), Max Reactive Power Limit (Mvar).Describes synchronous generation sources.Demand:Columns include: Terminal, Active Power (MW), Reactive Power (Mvar).Specifies electricity demand at different nodes for the peak winter 2024.Shunt Devices:Columns include: Name, Type, Rated Voltage (kV), Rated Reactive Power (Mvar), Upper Voltage Limit (p.u.), Lower Voltage Limit (p.u.).Represents devices used for voltage regulation and reactive power compensation.SVC (Static VAR Compensators):Columns include: Terminal, Q of Reactance (>0) (Mvar), Rated Reactive Power (Mvar), Target Voltage (kV).Details reactive power management devices.This dataset was created using validated models and publicly available data. It serves as a foundation for power system studies, including grid reliability analysis, congestion management, renewable integration scenarios, and etc. The research results derived from this dataset have been published in the Applied Energy Journal in the paper titled "Addressing Electricity Transmission Network Congestions Using Battery Energy Storage Systems - A Case Study of Great Britain." This publication explores the potential of battery energy storage systems to address congestion challenges in GB's transmission network. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://research-data.cardiff.ac.uk/articles/dataset/GB_Transmission_Network_Data/28152161 |
| Description | Collaboration with Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University |
| Organisation | Al Baha University |
| Department | Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | A new collaboration started with Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for research exchange and joint research activity. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Several joint research research articles are in process and develop joint research projects. |
| Impact | Several joint research articles are in process and will be publish soon. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Indian institute of Technology Madras |
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Technology Madras |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Revise collaboration started in 2023. Several research exchange, joint PhD supervision, joint publications and joint impact case studies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Several research exchange, joint PhD supervision, joint publications and joint impact case studies. The joint activity is ongoing for several years now, in various aspect of energy and in particular smart energy efficiency building. Jointly we have supervised five PhD students to completion and many joint joint research articles are published. We also have jointly hosted workshop and seminars in different aspect of renewable energy technology. |
| Impact | List included as follows: - Joint publications - Joint PhD supervision - Joint successful funding - Joint Workshop - Distinguished professorial positions |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | "Integration of energy storage and hydrogen infrastructures in future energy systems" webinar series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ECR Committees members, led by Dr Tong Zhang and Dr Chun Sing Lai from HI-ACT and SESN+. Prof Seamus Garvey, Professor of Dynamics, University of Nottingham gave a talk with the title: Hydrogen Storage: looking after all of the exergies. Dr Hossein Ameli, Research Fellow, Imperial College London, talk title: Role of hydrogen in providing flexibility in future energy systems. The webinar was opened by Dr Zhang and Dr Lai where they both respectively introduced the two networks. The webinar then proceeds with Prof Garvey delivering a 20-min talk, followed by Dr Ameli delivered a 20-min talk. At the end of the webinar, there were few questions asked and the speakers managed to respond on time. The webinar ended at 2.00 pm. More than 70 people have registered for the webinar and the peak attendance reached 40 people. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUnmR4s5h_s&t=102s |
| Description | 17th International Conference on Security for Information Technology and Communications (SecITC 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Paper and presentation entitled "Cyber Threats to Green Hydrogen Production within a Solar Microgrid". |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | 5th CCUS and Hydrogen Summit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Chameleon Events organised this event in Leeds. Northern Valve & Fitting Company Limited came to visit USB in Newcastle University |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://ukccsrc.ac.uk/event/5th-uk-ccus-summit/ |
| Description | ? International conference on Net Zero Carbon Built Environment |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Keynote speech at the International conference on Net Zero Carbon Built Environment, University of Nottingham, UK |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | A visit India to discuss green hydrogen research and innovation with academia and industries |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | A visit to India was organised by RAEng for a delegation team of around 10 people from UK (2-3 from academia including Meysam Qadrdan). The purpose of the visit was to meet with several stakeholders in India to discuss potential research, innovation and commercialisation of green hydrogen technologies. Meysam Qadrdan participated in panel discussion as well as several focused meetings. A report was produced summarising the discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://raeng.org.uk/media/d4sidiqk/report-driving-green-hydrogen-growth-opportunities-for-uk-india-... |
| Description | AICTE training and learning academic |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An online AICTE training and learning academic in India, organised by NIT in india. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | ATI Cryogenic Hydrogen HCN Workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Conversation with Professor Leachman (Keynote speaker from Washington State University), who invited Dr Saman Farrukh to visit their LH2 facilities in the USA. Additionally, workshops attendances surrounding fundamental LH2 heat transfer, materials for LH2 storage and utilisation, and H&S surrounding LH2 utilisation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.ati.org.uk/ati_events/cryogenic-hydrogen-research-conference/ |
| Description | Advisory Board Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Zoya Pourmirza has been invited to join the Advisory Board of the ENSIGN project. Ensign is one of the major UKRI/EPSRC 'Prosperity Partnership' project. The overarching objective of the Ensign project is the development and delivery of an Integrated Energy System-Digital Twin (IES-DT) for future, including hydrogen digital twin. As an advisory board member Zoya's expertise and knowledge will support and assist the project to secure the desired outcomes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Annual Boulton & Watt lecture |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Delivery of public talk about the pros and cons of hydrogen. Raised the profile of HI-ACT. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Attending the COP28 event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This was the COP28, which covered different aspects on decarbonisation of the future. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Attending the meetings for the 32nd session of the Committee on Sustainable Energy at United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Discussions around the decarbonisation of the future by covering topics such as role of hydrogen, electrification, and energy efficiency. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://unece.org/sustainable-energy |
| Description | BBC Look North - radio talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Sara Walker was invited to talk on BBC Look North about hydrogen on Teesside and the North East of England. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpv4jv7m1r0o |
| Description | BBC Radio Cumbria - Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Our PI, Sara Walker, was on BBC Radio Cumbria on the 14th of November, 2024, discussing Geen Hydrogen- what it is, and why it's so important. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Birmingham Decarbonisation Summer School |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Prof Sara Walker was invited as a keynote speaker at the summer school. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Blog on 'Impact of electrification on South Wales regional grid and the mitigating role of hydrogen' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Description and outline of the work planned on South Wales and SWIC especially with regards to the high potential use-case for evaluating the impact of electrification on regional grids and the role of hydrogen. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://hi-act.ac.uk/uncategorized/impact-of-electrification-on-south-wales-regional-grid-and-the-mi... |
| Description | Blog: COP 28 - Perspectives on Hydrogen |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | An outline of the hydrogen initiatives at COP28 especially with regards to the impact on the UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://hi-act.ac.uk/blogs/cop-28-perspectives-on-hydrogen/ |
| Description | Bristol Port authority - initial meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Bristol Port Authority- discussion of hydrogen related engagement activities around the Bristol Channel (online meeting) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | CDT discussion meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Kate Kelly sent details of PhD topics to Dani Strickland (CDT), Sara to join advisory board, HI-ACT ECR's offered the opportunity to join advisory board and potential joint summer school in 2025 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | CPC meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting between CPC and HI-ACT on enabling conditions Next steps: Prof Dawei Wu and Sophia Forster to provide questions on enabling conditions topics in industry questionnaires |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Cadent/HI-ACT Workshop - Blending session in Coventry (Ansty) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT and Cadent met for a workshop to discuss collaborations around blending levels, modelling & other technical research possibilities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Connected Places Summit 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | the PI and Co-Is attended the event that took palce in London. The event brought together industry stakeholders and academics to discuss the ways to enable a decarbonised future and to review how the UK can help achieve the 2030 goal. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://cp.catapult.org.uk/events/ |
| Description | DESNZ Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Set up regular quarterly meeting, Sara Walker to set up meeting with Paul Henderson on HyCore notes here https://newcastle.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/HI-ACTHydrogenIntegrationforAcceleratedEnergyTransitions/Shared Documents/General/Meetings/Stakeholder Meetings/Paul Monks DESNZ Engagement/240301 Follow up: meeting with Paul Monks in the next 6 months |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | DESNZ follow up - HICC Knowledge Share: HI-ACT & UK-HyRES - Learning from Academia - Webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Sara Walker/Rachael Rothman presented on Hubs at DESNZ meeting-follow up webinar to HI-ACT collagues |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | DESNZ officials online webinar with HI-ACT/UK-HyRES |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Disciussion topics including skills, regulation and policy around hydrogen integration and moving forward. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | DNO SP Energy Network (SPEN) optioneering team |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | various action plan identified particularly focussed on the network capacity as electrical demand are refined with adoption of low-carbon technologies. Started work on exploring the various options for South of Scotland Regional NetZero Planning. Started work exploring demand centres, renewable production curtailments, and electrolysers - to leverage hydrogen production to reduce connection queue at the South of Scotland |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | ECR UK-HyRES/HI-ACT Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Connected Placed Catapult organised this event. Seven PDRAs from HI-ACT, as well as PS team members and academics attended from HI-ACT and UK Hy-RES teams. Group discussions involved the following questions: Why are you a researcher? What are the best parts of your role, and what are the challenges? Challenges and opportunities from Flexible Fund applications |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | EU Hydrogen Valley Days, Burssels, Belgium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | More focused on learnings and experiences from hydrogen valley projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | EU-UK Hydrogen Policy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presenting along with Prof Strbac on UK-EU collaboration opportunities on hydrogen. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Energy Systems Catapult Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Sharing of modelling best pratice, between ESC and HI-ACT. HI-ACT benefited from learning about ESME. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Engineering a Hydrogen Economy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT's PI, Sara Walker, gave a speach at this event organised by the National Composites Centre in Birmingham University. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.nccuk.com/events/imeche-engineering-a-hydrogen-economy/ |
| Description | Equitable & Sustainable Digital Society Panel at the UKRI EPSRC DE-Nexus: Digital Economy Next Stage Symposium Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Dr Clara Crivellaro was invited as a speaker at the event. Attendees: 100 people Panel speakers included: Dr Rhianne Jones (Chair) - Research Lead, Responsible innovation and society, BBC; Dr Helen Thornham - Associate Professor in Digital Cultures, University of Leeds; Prof Richard Harper - Director of the Centre for Material Social Futures, PI for Future Places, Lancaster University, Dr Clara Crivelaro - Reader in Digital Social Justice, University of Newcastle Lecture Theatre; Dr Bruna Petreca - Senior Research Fellow in Human Experience and Materials, Royal College of Art. Panel covered current challenges and opportunities associated with digitalisation and sustainability and equity in digitalisation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.horizon.ac.uk/de-nexus-digital-economy-next-stage-symposium-10th-june-2024/ |
| Description | European Hydrogen Week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Different aspects of hydrogen value chan from supply, transport, and utilisation was provided in this industry-based conference and exhibition. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Gas Network Transition Scoping Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT and Supergen Bioenergy Hub organised a workshop on gas transition networks. As policymakers and network operators are interested in the potential for hydrogen blending into the natural gas network, this workshop aimed to increase awareness and discuss the issues raised by policymakers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://hi-act.ac.uk/reports/ |
| Description | General Assembly and Advisory Board Meeting of an EU funded initiative |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Zoya Pourmirza has been invited to attend the general assembly of BEGONIA project and join the Advisory Board. BEGONIA is an EU-funded initiative at the forefront of Europe's digital transformation. This project is dedicated to creating a smarter, greener, and more interconnected energy (including hydrogen) and transport sector. Zoya has contribute to the two-day project and advisory board meeting, to refine the vision of the project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/posts/begonia-project_begoniaproject-generalassembly-innovation-activity-72... |
| Description | HI-ACT & Cadent meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT members (Sara Walker, David Flynn, Clara Crivellaro, Karen Henwood, Dan Massey) discussed potential research collaborations with Cadent, including customer engagement strategies |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | HI-ACT Summer School |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Prof Alok Choudhary presented, more than 50 participants from industry, academia, and PhD researchers attended. The presentation was based on Hydrogen Supply Chain. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | HI-ACT and Hy-RES blog |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Gareth Thomas wrote a blog on "The insights and feedback gathered will support the development of a comprehensive report for policymakers, shaping the hydrogen supply chain agenda. By identifying and quantifying the impact of key components, this initiative will enhance supply chain readiness and availability, advancing the UK's transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy." |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://hi-act.ac.uk/blogs/when-public-engagement-goes-wrong-learning-from-a-hydrogen-village-trial/ |
| Description | HI-ACT/Cadent meeting - follow up |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Angela Needle proposed a workshop event to be hosted in Coventry. Discussion Theme: what are the restrictions and policies on hydrogen blending and how DNOs can distribute reneable energy using existing pipeline networks. Sara will shape the questions and Angela will invite the appropriate people from gas companies to join. Suggested workshop date: October/November Next steps: Sara Walker shaped questions: As NESO is in the early stages of formulating the role of the Regional Energy System Planner, it is timely for HI-ACT and partners to consider the development of regional whole energy systems approaches, with the integration of hydrogen. If we are able to formulate, out of the workshop, a particular research question, and if Cadent are interested in match funding that work (match can be in-kind time/data as well as cash), then HI-ACT would be able to put out a call for a mini-research project (~6 months) in the agreed topic area. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | HI-ACT/NESO follow up |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Follow up meeting with Fergus Tickell. Next steps: Fergus agreed to arrange a call/meeting in the beginning of 2025 (Fergus proposes 3 monthly catch up meetings starting in 2025.) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | HI-ACT/Supergen webinar Integration of energy storage and hydrogen infrastructures in future energy systems |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT and Supergen Energy Storage Network + organised a webinar on energy storage and hydrogen infrastructures. Dr Tong Zhang organised the webinar and Dr Hossein Ameli gave a presentation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | HIACT- SUPERGEN Bioenergy Hub meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Scoping meeting on gas network transitions. Next steps: arrangements for the upcoming HI ACT and Supergen Bioenergy Hub - Gas Network Transition - Scoping Workshop |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | HyDEX Celebration Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The HI-ACT team participated at the HyDEX Celebration Event. A really enjoyable event with some insightful talks. We have had interesting conversations with potential industry partners and fellow academics. Over 20 companies and individuals were invited to attend the HI-ACT workshop at WMG, the University of Warwick. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Hydrogen Americas Summit event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Dr Salman Farrukh was invited to give a talk at the event. Prof Sara Walker and Dawei Wu also participated. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.hydrogen-americas-summit.com/programme/ |
| Description | Hydrogen Industry Leaders (HIL)-Hydrogen Supply Chain Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Hamed Kalantari participated in this event to engage with industry leaders and gain valuable insights into Scotland's hydrogen value chain. He connected with companies like IGD (gas detection, Manchester) and NVFCL (valves and fittings) and participated in discussions led by Stuart McKay, Head of Hydrogen Policy for the Scottish Government. Notably, Martyn Tulloch's analysis of hydrogen supply-demand gaps and Craig McCafferty's solutions for reducing green hydrogen costs offered insights directly relevant to Hamed's research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Hydrogen Innovation Showcase (HII) workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | HII, Innovate UK, and the EPSRC Hydrogen Hubs, UK-HyRES, and HI-ACT organised a two-day event inviting industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to explore ground-breaking projects across the UK hydrogen landscape, offering a fantastic opportunity for the industry to meet and discuss the future of hydrogen. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://hi-act.ac.uk/blogs/hi-acts-success-at-the-hydrogen-innovation-showcase/ |
| Description | Hydrogen Myth-Busting Webinar Series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Prof Alok Choudhary focusing on industry-academia collaboration to advance hydrogen innovation. He shared insights on successful partnerships, addressing skills gaps, and fostering collaboration to drive hydrogen technology and achieve Net Zero. The event highlighted practical strategies and examples of impactful projects, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in strengthening the hydrogen supply chain. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/navigating-net-zero-understanding-the-role-of-hydrogen/ |
| Description | Hydrogen Policy Outlook 2025, Briefing Session |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Progress on Hydrogen Allocation Rounds and CCUS, Upcoming DESNZ consultations, Key milestones in hydrogen policy for 2025 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6da867be-9be4-480c-b2dd-774a84dabb2b@cdbe49c0-2aad-4a5e-bfa... |
| Description | Hydrogen Supply Chain workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Management, shared: "Our Hydrogen Supply Chain Workshop at WMG was a great success, bringing together over 30+ businesses and policymakers for a dynamic day of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Featuring a packed agenda of keynotes, panel discussions, rapid-fire presentations, and focused group sessions, the event facilitated critical dialogue and synthesised stakeholder views to inform the UK's hydrogen supply chain strategy." |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Hydrogen World Expo Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | David Pollock, HI-ACT'S Senior Industry Engagement Manager joined a trade delegation with Scottish Development international representing HI-ACT at the SDI stand. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.the-eic.com/Events/Exhibitions/HydrogenTechnologyExpoEurope2024 |
| Description | IEEE PES general meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The annual coference of IEEE PES general meeting, which covered different aspects of energy, which some of our PhD students presented their work. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | IFIP-IoT: 7th International Internet of Things Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Conference paper and oral presentation entitled. ''A Cyber-Physical Infrastructure for Smart Energy Buildings'' |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://ifip-iotconference.org/ |
| Description | IMechE conference "Engineering a Hydrogen Economy" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | National conference, the PI of HI-ACT, Sara Walker, participated on a panel "Hydrogen: Bridging the Gap Between Promise and Practice" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | India Green Hydrogen Policy Exchange Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Royal Academy of Engineering and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) organised the event. HI-ACT stakeholders also participated. The event took place in Pune, India. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | International Advisory Board Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | International Advisory Board, which covered an update on our International activity, as well as our ongoing research priority areas, which led to much fruitful discussion and collaboration. The HI-ACT International Advisory Board (IAB) is a forum for progressive focused discussions, in whole system analysis of hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels from an international perspective. Our Members all have a wide range of expertise in hydrogen integration. The board provide input into the HI-ACT hub's research direction and contributes to our delivery of impactful research, guiding us to ensure our priorities align with the fast-paced hydrogen environment. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://hi-act.ac.uk/international-advisory-board/ |
| Description | International Women's Day / Science Week events |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Zoya Pourmirza contributed to the International Women's Day / Science Week event, by leading round table discussion regarding "Collaborative Research and Innovation Across Borders", and also sitting on the panel discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | International review of DLR - German Aerospace Centre |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The event took place in Cologne, Germany. Expert evaluator of the energy element of DLR's work, as part of the Helmholtz Institute. Raised the profile of HI-ACT. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/energy/energy-research-areas/energy-systems-analysis |
| Description | Joint ECR workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The objective of the workshop was to provide networking and collaboration opportunities for ECRs in areas related to energy networks, hydrogen, and net zero transitions. Supporting them, in identifying potential research areas, collaboration opportunities, and strategic outcomes and impact. Key presentations covered hydrogen integration, storage, and GIS visualization. Dr Hamed Kalantari networked with key researchers and discussed the work being done in Work Package 3. The workshop concluded with focus group discussions on key hydrogen research challenges. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Meeting between Cardiff University and NZIW |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Agreement in principle for NZIW to work with HI ACT and facilitate workshop with SWIC to develop Use Case. Potential further links with Welsh Goverment |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Meeting with Adam Madgett-DNZ |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Linkages on following items and slides have been sent through - Adam Madgett will distribute with DNZ team. Further plans: • National Buried Infrastructure Facility at University of Birmingham (National Buried Infrastructure Facility (NBIF) - University of Birmingham) • SIF proposals around hydrogen and whole energy systems, particularly interested in regional net zero scenarios • Review of certification of carbon content of H2 products |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Meeting with CSA Prof Paul Monks March 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | S Walker discussed latest research outcomes on HI-ACT and EDRC with DESNZ CSA Paul Monks |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Meeting with CSA Professor Paul Monks August 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with DESNZ CSA Professor Paul Monks, to give regular update on HI-ACT and EDRC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Meeting with CSAs Professor Sutcliffe and Professor Sharples |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | In person meeting with two CSAs, Professor Sutcliffe and Professor Sharples |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Meeting with Environment Agency |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Environment Agency to send through a one-page summary/link from EA. In-kind expertise two-way to feed into EA and HI-ACT Link up Steel colleagues in Swansea Follow Up: 1) Sara Walker to participate in the Net zero Geordie dissemination event 2) Electrolyser paper drafts and approval (for HyCoRe) 3) Future Workshop with the water utilities and Environment Agency representatives. An idea to link up all the devolved nations authorities. Meet in 6 months' time |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Meeting with potential Stakeholders at the World Hydrogen Congress (Copenhagen) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Angelique Mesch and Manuel Hernandez are interested to have a follow up with HI-ACT on the demonstration projects of Crichton Trust and Glasgow Airport. Follow Up: January 2025 in Glasgow. Angelique proposed some dates. David Flynn replied copying stakeholders from Glasgow airport |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | NPG Science and Technology Advisory Panel |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Advisory Position on Technical Panel |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | National Gas RIIO-GT3 Innovation Coalition: The Path to Decarbonisation workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT Summer School at Loughborough University, more than 50 participants from industry, academia, and PhD researchers attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Organising committee of national workshop on green hydrogen |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Workshop organised in collaboration with Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering. Professor Sara Walker was on organising committee, Professor Paul Dodds and Professor Meysam Qadrdan were invited speaks. Event is to lead to a policy briefing report. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presenting at the World Hydrogen MENA |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The event was organised by World Hydrogen Leaders and specifically focused on the MENA region under the World Hydrogen MENA initiative. With over 300 attendees, I delivered a talk on the Role and value of hydrogen in enabling a cost-effective transition towards decarbonisation. The presentation sparked an engaging discussion on hydrogen system integration, highlighting key challenges and opportunities in the sector. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.worldhydrogenmena.com/event/8fe1f059-e5dd-4b66-a68e-cae113dd3269/home |
| Description | Public engagement event on AI, Innovation and Human Behaviour |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Public engagement event on AI, Innovation and Human Behaviour, on 11th Nov 2024. Zoya Pourmirza engaged with public and researchers and presented a poster based on her research on COuntering mis- and disinfoRmatioN in digitalised EneRgy Systems TOwards Net zEro (CORNERSTONE). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | RIIO-GT3 Innovation Coalition: The Path to Decarbonisation (2nd Meeting) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Second worksop with National Gas in which HI-ACT gave feedback on the RIIO GT3 roadmaps. Areas of future collaboration include a disccussion on the inclusion of supply chain expertese. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering Hydrogen Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Sara Walker (PI) chaired hydrogen integration and whole energy system roundtable. White paper was created as breifing material by HI-ACT academics. The workshop was organised by Royal Society and Royal Academy. Joint event with UK Hy-RES. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | SEESHOP16 Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Dr Gareth Thomas and Prof Karen Henwood from Cardiff University presented on "Working together [Coproduction as mode and methodology] in multidisciplinary hubs: Utilising expertise in practice". The event took palce at the Centre for Knowledge, Expertise and Society, Cardiff. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | SGN / HI-ACT meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Access to SGN Data Portal HIACT agreed to seek SGN's approval before publishing and presenting their information. Both departments involved are happy to share their data. They will make necessary amendments to include various institutions on the final draft NDA for signature. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | SMART shipping project - Initial meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT Team (Prpf J.Wu and Dan Massey) met with memebrs of shipping industry to discuss collaboration project about H2 powered cargo ships |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | SWIC and Net Zero Industry Wales workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Dr Gareth Thomas and Prof Karen Henwood participated in this workshop organised by Net Zero Industry Wales and SWIC stakeholders. Data sharing and plan to work with NZIW on the SWIC use case. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Solar and Storage Live in 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Attended and presented two talks in the Solar & Storage live, 2024, Birmingham, 24-26th Sep, https://www.thenec.co.uk/whats-on/solar-storage-live/. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | South of Scotland Heat Decarbonization Brokerage Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT participated to discuss areas of alighnment. Follow up includes further meetings, and plans to develop response to the UK Govts Industrail Strategy led by Sara Walker and Hi-ACT. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.be-st.build/all-events/south-of-scotland-heat-decarbonisation-brokerage-event-scottish-b... |
| Description | Strategic Advisory Board meeting (HI-ACT & YK Hy-RES) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | HI-ACT and UK-HyRES: Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels, hosted a fruitful roundtable discussion on hydrogen research priorities for the new UK government. The event brought together academic experts, UKRI representatives and leaders from public organizations and research hubs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Supergen event / ECR |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Joint ECR workshop, developed by ECRS wih HI-ACT and Supergen Energy Networks Hub, in which ECRs from both hibs worked to idenfft common areas of research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Supergen initial meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Initial Collaboration Meeting with Supergen Bioenergy Hub - HI-ACT membersparticipated and agreed for a further collaboration |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | TARGET webinar series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Gareth Thomas gave a talk on "Heat decarbonisation, hydrogen and place: towards an anthropological research agenda for the social implications of hydrogen clustering" |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.targ-et.online/ |
| Description | The 6th RD20 Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | UKERC organised the RD20 conference in New Delhi, India. UK Hy-RES and HI-ACT were invited for a 15-minute presentation during the technical session on technical barriers and challenges identified in the UK's hydrogen roadmap with a focus on hydrogen transport, storage, and applications. The UKERC-led delegation has been representing the UK at the 6th RD20 Conference in New Delhi, India with our very own Aoife Foley speaking and representing HI-ACT. The RD20 is an initiative for international research and development that aims to strengthen the international collaboration among leading G20 research centres working towards carbon neutrality. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://rd20.aist.go.jp/ |
| Description | The German Hydrogen Import Strategy: Strategic Guidelines and Relevant Policy Instruments |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The presentation aimed to shed light on the strategic cornerstones of Germany's hydrogen import strategy and present individual measures in detail. The import strategy outlines a framework to meet Germany's predicted demand for hydrogen and its derivatives, which the government estimates will reach 95 to 130 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2030. About 50 to 70 percent of this demand will need to be covered by imports, according to estimates by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), making Germany one of the world's largest hydrogen importers in the future. It also includes plans to expand Germany's import pipelines and shipping infrastructure and to closely cooperate with partner countries on hydrogen |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.daad.de/surveys/347789?lang=en |
| Description | The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | HIACT researcher embark on an inter-continental engagement to enhance cross-border research collaboration on resilient planet through British Council International Science Partnerships Fund. This ISPF global research partnership initiative aims to bring together academics, policymakers, and representatives from international organisations, with a particular focus on the ISPF's theme goal 'Resilient Planet'. From the 4th to the 6th of March, Dr Yusuf Chanchangi, researcher from HIACT and affiliated with the University of Exeter, travelled to Delhi with the purpose of enhancing international collaboration in the realm of renewable energy integration. The main purpose was to engage with a wide range of academics, researchers' government representatives from Japan, India, and the UK for a discussion and future collaboration in understanding potentials of HALFs across sectors and addressing challenges that could emerge during hydrogen integration in a future Whole Energy System (WES). The event emphasised the need of promoting global sustainable energy solutions for a resilient planet. There is already an ongoing plan to continue some collaboration for a resilient planet project where hydrogen integration is expected to take a major role in accelerating clean energy transition. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | The Pat Kenny Show podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Prof Aoife Foley paticipated in a podcast, discussing whether Ireland should stop using coal for electricity. Pat discusses this with HI-ACT Co-Investigator Aoife Foley Professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in Queen's University. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/492099?%24deeplink_path=podcast%2F47%2F492099&%24og_redirect=h... |
| Description | UK Energy Research Energy Policy Review Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Karen Henwood presented at the panel session "Wales Energy Transition: policy, Priorities and Next Steps". The talk was on "Net Zero Society, Whole Energy Systems Change, Local Contestations and Living Well". The talk prompted interest in hydrogen integration from Campaign for Social Sciences Climate and Sustainability Hub and subsequent email exchanges about a possible blog for them initiated by Ed Bridges Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Academy of Social Sciences. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://ukerc.ac.uk/news/watch-the-launch-of-the-review-of-energy-policy-2024/ |
| Description | UK Hydrogen Innovation Opportunity workshop - HII |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Launching of UK Hydrogen Innovation Opportunity reports which HI-ACT inputted to. Two HI-ACT PDRAs participated in the workshop and engaged with stakeholders from HII. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | UK Science and Innovation Network Overview (USA Engagement) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Some of the initial areas of collaboration we discussed were joint policy impact, the whole system challenge and the steel industry (including linkages with the new US Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs). Next steps are for HI-ACT/UK-HyRES to send a joint email with some key priorities so that we can start to gather key colleagues from the US and UK to create a small working group to take the relationship forward. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | UK-France Hydrogen mission - Site visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Delivering a speech at a workshop organised by the British Embassy in Paris on the role of hydrogen in the future UK energy sector. The event was attended by representatives from the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the French National Research Network on Hydrogen Energy (FRH2), and the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research. The aim was to discuss priority research topics, explore synergies and differences between the UK and French hydrogen research landscapes, and identify opportunities for institutional and Horizon-funded collaboration. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/uk-and-france-aid-joint-co-operation-on-hydrogen-research-hubs... |
| Description | UKERC at 20 event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | UKERC at 20 celebration event. HI-ACT PI took part in panel session and wrote a blog on engagement between different energy projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://ukerc.ac.uk/events/ukerc-at-20/ |
| Description | UN panel discussion: Development Programme, Urban talk series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Delivered a talk and participated in a panel discussion for United Nations (UN), which has gathered 900+ urban transformation practitioners, bringing together Mayors, UNDP Country Offices, and urban innovation researchers and practitioners from 23 countries across regions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | WWU meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting to discuss potential data sharing with WWU. The meeting was attended by Yusuf Chanchangi and David Pollock from HIACT and three members of the WWU external engagement team led by Lewis Garvey. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Wales and West Utilities and Hydrogen Skills Alliance - meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Dr Garth Thomas gave a 5 min presentation with the title: 'HI-ACT Social Science: hydrogen perceptions and industrial clusters' Follow up discussions arranged with Wales and West Utilities and Hydrogen Skills Alliance |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Waste Heat Recovery and Utilisation Convention |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Prof Karen Henwood presented the ongoing HI-ACT research on "Meeting the challenges of the energy transition: Two projects and a social science perspective". |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Webinar "The role of science, engineering and innovation in delivering the energy transition" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Panel event featuring Prof Sara Walker, Prof Jim Skea, and George Pitt, chaired by Chief Scientific Adviser Paul Monks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Western Gateway Convention |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Gareth Thomas gave a presentation for the Westminster Social Policy Forum- Westminster Forum Projects | Priorities for economic development and investment in the South Wales and Western England region. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://western-gateway.co.uk/events/2024-convention-western-gateway/ |
| Description | Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum policy conference: Next steps for hydrogen industry in the UK |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Talk to Parliament and interested expert audience. High attendance online of around 70 people. Raised the profile of HI-ACT. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Workshop with Energy Systems Catapult |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | A workshop was held between HI-ACT and Energy Systems Catapult. We discussed modelling approaches being taken, and ways of collaborating. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | World Hydrogen Congress 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Prof Sara Walker presented at panel. title of presentation: 'Roadmaps for energy infrastructure and whole systems integration: what needs to happen in the wider system for H2 to take its place at the table?' Also a 10min presentation regaridng a published paper was given during the event, as well in Tech & Innovation Zone. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |