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UK bets big on green future with £120 million hydrogen fund boost
In an ambitious move to drive the UK’s green economy, the government has announced a notable £120 million increase to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator fund. This investment, part of the Spring Budget, signals a pivotal moment for the UK’s hydrogen sector, with the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) at the forefront of applause. The augmentation of the fund, now nearing £1.1 billion, is set to catalyse billions in private investment, particularly for low carbon manufacturing supply chains. Celia Greaves, CEO of HEA, has expressed that this financial injection could not only propel the country to maintain its leadership in hydrogen technology on a global scale but also stimulate exceptional growth within the national hydrogen economy. The government’s commitment, as outlined by Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho, aims to leverage these funds to unlock further investments, reinforcing the UK’s position in green industries and securing sustainable economic progress.
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Toyota navigates hydrogen future in World Endurance Racing
Toyota Gazoo Racing is at a crossroads, with the lifespan of their GR010 Hybrid linked to the introduction of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the FIA World Endurance Championship. With the debut of the hydrogen class pushed to 2027, Toyota may opt for an interim new chassis. The company is confident in being competitive with hydrogen by then, drawing on Japan’s progress in hydrogen tech in the Super Taikyu series. However, uncertainty looms as further delays in hydrogen regulations could undermine Toyota’s edge, necessitating upgrades to the current GR010 Hybrid. The transition to hydrogen is complex, involving a balance in performance between traditional and hydrogen power, but Toyota aims for a mixed class to ensure a gradual shift. The motorsport community watches closely as the FIA works towards clarifying the future of hydrogen in racing.
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Revolution in hydrogen storage: material doubles capacity over liquid form
A recent breakthrough by Professor Hyunchul Oh and a team of researchers from UNIST has led to the development of a nanoporous magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH₄)₂) material capable of storing hydrogen at densities twice that of liquid hydrogen. The material achieves a storage capacity of 144 grams per litre, outperforming not only liquid hydrogen at 70.8 g/L but also the density of solid hydrogen. This storage method relies on a unique three-dimensional arrangement that can hold five hydrogen molecules, presenting a significant advancement for energy systems. The research underpins the potential for large-scale hydrogen storage, which could revolutionize public transportation and other applications requiring high-density energy solutions. This material offers a promising alternative to traditional hydrogen storage methods, combining increased efficiency with economic viability. The findings, heralding a paradigm shift in hydrogen storage technology, have been published in the prestigious ‘Nature Chemistry’ journal.
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Hydrogen's high stakes in the global pursuit of zero emissions
Law firm Herbert Smith Freehills delves into the burgeoning hydrogen sector, a critical player in the energy industry’s race towards a net-zero future. As the firm’s analysis indicates, hydrogen’s versatility is garnering significant investment, with over 1,000 projects worldwide and nearly $8 billion from private equity in 2022 alone. Industry giants like BP and Shell are channeling funds into hydrogen, betting on its potential to revolutionize sectors notoriously tough to decarbonize. Despite the optimism, the road to hydrogen’s widespread adoption is fraught with technical and regulatory challenges. From transportation hurdles to safety concerns, the transition to a hydrogen economy will be a slow, albeit steady, evolution. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, set to launch in 2026, is poised to further catalyze the shift by creating a level playing field for low-carbon commodities. With the global hydrogen output at 94 million tonnes in 2021, and low-emission hydrogen making up a mere fraction, the scale of ambition is clear. However, the Herbert Smith Freehills report underscores a crucial message: hydrogen is not an overnight solution but a significant piece of the energy puzzle that must be fitted with precision.
