Innovation on campus: How UK universities are powering net zero with hydrogen

IGEM recently joined the Hydrogen Development and knowledge Exchange (HyDEX) team and energy professionals on a journey around the UK to visit four leading hydrogen research sites. Each location showcasing innovations that are supporting the UK’s hydrogen ambitions.

The tour included visits to Aston University, Tyseley Energy Park, Cranfield University and Loughborough University. Across each location, researchers and innovators demonstrated their latest developments in hydrogen technologies, from bio-derived fuels to battery-electrolyser technology, offering a glimpse into the innovations fuelling a decarbonised energy future.

Aston University: Integrating hydrogen, fuel cells and carbon capture

Their work includes producing high-hydrogen syngas via biomass gasification and applying renewable fuels such as syngas and biogas in fuel cells. The team integrates hydrogen production processes with downstream technologies, such as fuel cells and carbon capture and storage (CCS), to support a joined-up approach to energy systems.

Current research is focused on improving the quality of syngas through catalyst development and combining gasification with methods such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or methanol conversion. EBRI’s facilities and analytical tools also enable detailed evaluation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), addressing degradation, system design and hydrogen purity in renewable fuel streams.

Tiny innovators: what termites can teach us about hydrogen production

Another interesting project presented on the day came from Vinay Patel at the University of Birmingham, who is exploring natural hydrogen production by studying how termites generate hydrogen as part of their digestion process.

Termites play a key role in breaking down plant material in ecosystems, and during this digestion process, certain species of termites produce hydrogen as a natural byproduct.

This biological process has caught the attention of researchers looking to mimic nature's methods in a more scalable, sustainable way. By studying termite gut microbiomes and the enzymes involved, scientists hope to develop more efficient ways to produce hydrogen from biomass, methods that could one day contribute to low-carbon fuel solutions.

While they may be a long way from powering our homes on termite gas, the research highlights the diversity of hydrogen pathways, and the potential for nature to inspire innovation.

Tyseley Energy Park: Real-world hydrogen

Just a short distance from Aston University, Tyseley Energy Park showcases an exciting perspective on hydrogen innovation through real-world deployment.

The site brings together academia, business, and local authorities in a collaborative setting. We toured a range of initiatives including:

• Birmingham Bio Power: a 10-megawatt biomass gasification plant.
• Motive Refuelling Station: the UK’s first multi-fuel, open-access refuelling hub.
• Ammogen Project: ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion technology with potential applications in transport and energy storage.
• Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre (BEIC): a dedicated space for hydrogen and heat decarbonisation research.

Among the most talked-about projects was the Hydrogen Kitchen created by National Gas Metering. This commercial kitchen operates using hydrogen-powered appliances and has been used to demonstrate cooking performance in comparison to natural gas. The appliances were originally developed for the Redcar hydrogen village trials and adhere to IGEM safety standards.

Visitors noted how seamlessly hydrogen replicated the natural gas typically used in traditional kitchens, aside from the characteristic ‘pop’ on ignition.

Tyseley’s commitment to education and skills development was clear, with business incubation units, apprenticeships and outreach programmes integrated into the park’s mission.

Flying ahead: Cranfield’s hydrogen research in aviation

Next on the itinerary was Cranfield University, known for its industry links and emphasis on aviation research.

Among the technologies discussed was the use of ammonia cracking. This approach could play a vital role in future international hydrogen trade, where safe and efficient transport of hydrogen is essential.

We also explored Cranfield’s work in hydrogen combustion, storage and hybrid energy systems, as well as their collaborations with industry to design scalable solutions. Their pilot-scale equipment and simulation tools demonstrated the university’s commitment to bridging lab research with market-ready applications.

Projects like HyWaves, which integrates electronics into electrolysers to improve efficiency and reduce costs, are being tested and demonstrated at Cranfield. By upgrading the university’s 1MW solar plant, HyWaves is showcasing how green hydrogen production can be enhanced through smarter energy management and better integration with renewable power sources.

Cranfield is also leading the HyPER project, an international collaboration aiming to produce low-carbon hydrogen more economically through sorbent enhanced steam reforming. The 1.5 MWth pilot plant on campus is testing technology that could cut greenhouse gas emissions and deliver hydrogen at up to 30% lower cost than conventional methods, marking a major step forward in clean fuel innovation.

Energy for all: Loughborough’s Battery-Electrolyser breakthrough

The final stop on the tour was Loughborough University, where researchers are taking a new approach to hydrogen production. Their innovation lies in combining battery and electrolyser technology into a single system that’s cost-effective and versatile.

The project adapts lead-acid battery chemistry for green hydrogen generation. By turning otherwise inefficient reactions into hydrogen-producing ones, the system maximises material use and minimises cost.

This technology uses widely available components, avoiding reliance on rare metals which are required in many current electrolysers. This makes it especially well-suited for deployment in resource-constrained settings.

Trials are already being deployed in Malawi, Zambia, and Ivory Coast, where the technology is helping to address energy access challenges. With three operating modes, battery discharge, battery charge and hydrogen production, the system supports local grids while also enabling clean cooking and fuel production.

“We’re empowering vulnerable communities by delivering low-cost green hydrogen,” said Dr Lizzie Ashton, Senior Research Associate at Loughborough University.

A unified push for net zero

Across the tour one thing was consistent, hydrogen innovation in the UK is not confined to a single approach. Whether it’s using waste for fuel, creating new infrastructure, exploring ammonia-based transport, or integrating batteries with electrolysers, the energy sector is experimenting boldly and collaboratively.

Programmes like HyDEX are essential to these efforts, fostering knowledge exchange and helping technologies move from lab to market. Each site visit deepened our understanding for the diverse research and industrial partnerships making net zero possible.

As we return from the tour, the message is clear, hydrogen has moved beyond the hypothetical. It’s already cooking meals, powering vehicles, fuelling innovation, and offering hope for net zero.

IGEM will continue to support these efforts, working alongside industry and academia to drive the safe, sustainable and scalable adoption of hydrogen in the UK and beyond.