A consortium has launched to develop a hydrogen-focused infrastructure ecosystem in the South West of England.
The Hydrogen South West partnership comprises nine organisations across the aerospace, shipping, hi-tech engineering and public utilities industries.
The group is looking to use cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable growth, upskill the region and create new job opportunities.
One of the project’s key aims is establishing links between supply and demand centres in the region to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technology.
Simon Earles, Hydrogen South West chair, said: “The South West has a rich engineering and energy history, and is home to a powerful cluster of leading aerospace, transport and logistics businesses.
“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.”
According to Costain, one of the founding members, the launch of the consortium marks a major step in the UK government’s target of delivering 10GW of hydrogen production by 2030.
Some upcoming pilot projects include a Hydrogen Hub at Bristol Port and Project Acorn, which will focus on research and development into hydrogen-powered ground support at Bristol Airport.
