The University of Bath is leading a groundbreaking research hub, UK-HyRES, focused on hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels.
With £11 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the hub aims to become a global center of excellence in hydrogen research and develop practical, safe, and sustainable technologies. As part of the UK’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the hub will play a vital role in identifying sustainable solutions and accelerating the adoption of hydrogen and alternative fuels in various sectors.
Hydrogen and low-carbon liquid fuels, such as ammonia, hold the key to decarbonizing hard-to-reach sectors where traditional energy options are limited. The UK-HyRES hub aims to advance research in production, storage, distribution, and end-use applications of hydrogen and alternative fuels. By prioritizing safety, environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social impact, the hub aims to deliver practical technologies that will drive the transition to a net-zero economy.
UK-HyRES brings together a consortium of core universities, including Portsmouth, Sheffield, St Andrews, Surrey, University College London, and Warwick. This collaborative effort ensures a multidisciplinary approach to tackle research challenges and develop holistic solutions. Moreover, the hub serves as a platform for industry, policy, and stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The hub focuses on four technical themes: production, storage, distribution, and end-use of hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels. Additionally, four cross-cutting themes—safety, environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social sustainability—are integrated into the research framework. By coordinating national interdisciplinary research projects, the UK-HyRES team aims to deliver practical technologies that can replace fossil fuels and drive greener energy solutions for transportation, heating, power generation, and industrial decarbonization.
The funding for UK-HyRES exceeds £26 million, thanks to contributions from core university partners and collaborations with industrial and civic entities. Partners include the West of England Combined Authority, Ceres Power, GKN Aerospace, the Health and Safety Executive, INEOS Technologies, the Western Gateway Partnership, and Siemens Energy. This strong network of partners ensures a comprehensive and impactful research endeavor.
The UK-HyRES hub is a key component of the University of Bath’s commitment to achieving the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target. As part of the Bath Beacon Future Fuels initiative, the hub leverages the university’s research excellence, stakeholder engagement, and impact in the field of hydrogen and its carriers. Through collaboration and innovation, the hub seeks to accelerate the development of sustainable energy solutions and position itself as a global center of excellence in hydrogen research.
The funding for UK-HyRES is part of a broader £53 million investment by UKRI to decarbonize the energy sector. This investment includes the establishment of the HI-ACT Hub, which focuses on effective integration of hydrogen into the energy landscape. Both UK-HyRES and HI-ACT will drive the national effort in hydrogen research, aligning with industry and government needs to facilitate the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
