Welcome to the Research England Hydrogen Innovation Project, a pioneering collaboration between Teesside University and Durham University, aimed at catalysing the decarbonisation and advancement of hydrogen technologies in the Tees Valley. This ambitious four-year, £11 million, initiative leverages the combined strengths of our institutions to drive innovation, research, and capacity building in the region.
In an era where energy costs and environmental concerns dominate the agenda, prioritising the transition to cleaner energy solutions is paramount. While numerous obstacles stand in the way, we are committed to confronting these challenges head-on. Central to our mission is the development of a just transition to a net-zero economy, a key pillar of our research strategy.
This joint venture between Teesside and Durham Universities will harness our research strengths and unite a cadre of research fellows from industry and policy backgrounds. Together, we'll tackle complex challenges, such as transitioning to hydrogen for high-grade heating, deploying hydrogen in flexible power systems, and adopting hydrogen for heavy-duty transportation. Importantly, we will also investigate policy, regulatory hurdles, skill gaps ensuring a just transition to net zero that benefits both communities and the environment.
With a total investment of £11 million, this project is funded through diverse channels, notably receiving £4.8 million from the Research England Development (RED) Fund, a branch of UK Research and Innovation.
Over the last two decades, we've been pioneers in the regional drive to establish a hydrogen economy. Our £16.4 million Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) is poised to build upon this legacy, offering state-of-the-art facilities and world-class expertise. This cutting-edge hub will act as the epicentre for collaborative initiatives between the University and an expanding network of industry collaborators. In parallel, Durham University, represented by the Durham Energy Institute (DEI ), plays a pivotal role in this initiative. As a multidisciplinary energy research hub, DEI leads the way in national and global efforts concerning hydrogen, spanning its production, storage, distribution, and utilisation. With active participation in numerous government, EU, and industry-funded projects, DEI brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
REHIP is taking a proactive approach to accelerate the journey toward a hydrogen-based economy. In a remarkable stride, the project is recruiting 14 Research Fellows who will collaborate closely with businesses, delving into industrial research and innovation initiatives. These dedicated fellows will play a pivotal role in advancing projects falling within the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-7 range, with the ultimate aim of assisting businesses in overcoming technical challenges.
A distinguishing feature of this initiative is the Research Fellows' invaluable role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. These individuals will spend substantial time embedded within industrial settings, working on a spectrum of industrial research projects. This immersive experience not only fosters collaboration but also positions them as catalysts for change, driving the development of solutions poised for commercialisation.
Professor Tony Roskilly
Professor Tony Roskilly is a seasoned expert in energy systems, boasting three decades of experience in designing, controlling, and optimising energy systems. He holds the Chair of Energy Systems at Durham University and is a Director of the Durham Energy Institute. Additionally, he serves as the UK representative for the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA). As Associate Director of the National Centre for Energy Systems Integration, Professor Roskilly leads pioneering research on infrastructure and storage, cementing his role as a driving force in the energy research landscape.
Dr Andy Smallbone
Andrew, Director of the EPSRC Network+ on Decarbonisation of Heating and Cooling, brings a wealth of expertise to the Department of Engineering at Durham University. As the Co-Director of the EPSRC Network+ on Hydrogen for Transportation, he leads interdisciplinary research teams focusing on decarbonising energy, heat, transport, and industry. Renowned for his work in techno-economic evaluation and advanced numerical modelling, Andrew is at the forefront of developing engineering prototypes and hardware demonstrations, contributing significantly to innovative energy solutions.
Dr Janie Ling Chin
Dr Janie Ling Chin, an Assistant Professor and emerging researcher, leads the impactful IAA project, "Energy Recovery and Utilisation," securing substantial funding. As a Co-Investigator in diverse projects, including "Growing Teesside's Hydrogen Economy," she contributes actively to cutting-edge research, shaping a sustainable energy future.
Professor Simone Abram
Simone Abram, Professor of Anthropology and Executive Director of the Durham Energy Institute, plays a pivotal role in integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives on energy and society. As the Durham lead for the MSc Sustainability, Energy, and Development, she also chairs the Association for Social Anthropologists in the UK. Simone's research explores the intricate intersections of energy and society, with a particular emphasis on ethical and just transitions, making her a driving force in understanding the evolving social and political dimensions of energies.
Professor Laura Marsiliani
Professor Laura Marsiliani, an environmental and energy economist at Durham University Business School, stands as a Director of the Centre for Environmental and Energy Economics (CE3). As the Faculty of Business Lead in the Centre for Sustainable Development, Law, and Policy, and a Fellow of the Durham Energy Institute, Professor Marsiliani contributes significantly to shaping sustainable economic and environmental policies through her cutting-edge research.
Dr Sumit Roy
Dr Sumit Roy, Assistant Professor in the Engineering Department at Durham University, is an expert in high-efficiency green hydrogen production, industrial process decarbonisation, and complex energy system modelling. His research prowess extends to seawater electrolysis, reflecting his commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and finding innovative solutions to energy challenges.
Jacki Bell
Jacki Bell, a Chartered Civil Engineer with 25 years of industry experience, serves as a Project Manager in the Net Zero Research Team at Durham University's Engineering Department. Her transition from industry to academia showcases her dedication to managing and delivering energy projects. Jacki plays a crucial role in bridging industry and academia to achieve impactful outcomes in energy research.
Professor Nashwan Dawood
Professor Nashwan Dawood, the Research Director at the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, brings a rich blend of academia and industry expertise spanning 30 years. With a track record of securing substantial research and innovation funding, Professor Dawood is a trailblazer in BIM processes, 5D technologies, smart energy systems, and offsite construction innovation. His extensive global collaborations underscore his leadership in driving transformative change in research and innovation, positioning the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre at the forefront of sustainable solutions.
Simon Bradshaw
Simon Bradshaw, Project Manager for the Research England Hydrogen Innovation Project, has a successful track record managing ERDF hydrogen innovation projects. His industrial research background, including roles at ICI, Dupont, and Texon Non Woven Ltd, enhances his capability to drive ambitious research programs and collaborative initiatives. Simon's expertise lies in industrial collaborative research, making him an asset to REHIP's research endeavours.
Professor Kumar Patchigolla
Professor Kumar Patchigolla, Professor of Decarbonisation of Industrial Clusters at NZIIC, brings over 23 years of experience in chemical engineering. His multidisciplinary work spans combustion, gasification, energy storage, renewables, hydrogen generation, desalination, and sustainable lithium extraction. With a strong emphasis on carbon neutrality and sustainable fuel utilisation, Professor Patchigolla's research contributes significantly to advancing energy transition programs worldwide.
Professor Dawid Hanak
Professor Dawid Hanak, Professor in the Decarbonisation of Industry at Teesside University, specialises in sustainable engineering processes. His research focuses on carbon capture, hydrogen production, and developing high-efficiency, low-carbon power generation systems. Professor Hanak's numerous research and commercial projects showcase his commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in process engineering, earning him prestigious awards in the field.
Professor Matthew Cotton
Professor Matthew Cotton, Chair in Public Policy and Director of the Centre for Social Innovation at Teesside University, is a leading researcher in the social and ethical dimensions of energy systems. With a focus on 'just transitions,' Professor Cotton explores how the socio-economic benefits of net-zero innovation can be shared across diverse communities. His work in the Research England Hydrogen Innovation Project aligns with a broader portfolio addressing energy and climate justice.
Are you ready to embark on the journey towards a sustainable hydrogen-powered future with us?
We are looking to support both SMEs and large organisations through the project who are seeking support with innovative solutions. If you're an industry player or a visionary researcher keen to join our mission, we invite you to get in touch. Let's collaborate to shape a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
*The Net Zero project is receiving up to £8.85m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
