Professor Julia Sutcliffe, the Chief Scientific Adviser at the government's Department for Business and Trade (DBT), explored Brunel University London's hydrogen research and facilities as part of a delegation which toured the university's Uxbridge-based campus on Tuesday.
Prof Sutcliffe, who provides science and engineering advice and independent challenge to DBT's ministers and policy-makers, was joined by officials from the department and from Innovate UK who had been invited to learn about Brunel's vision to support the rapid development of the country's hydrogen economy.
Prof Julia Sutcliffe listening to the briefings at the start of the tour
The UK has already reduced its reliance on fossil fuels more than any other major economy since 1990, but a range of zero-carbon technologies is needed to make this ongoing energy transition a success. Hydrogen is a critical part of the government's plans to reach net zero by 2050.
Brunel Hydrogen approaches the hydrogen industry's technical and commercial challenges in an innovative way, bringing together engineering, digital, social science and political policy researchers.
The officials were introduced to many of these experts, hearing about the use of AI and robotics, hydrogen engines, digital techniques in manufacturing, and how to increase community acceptance of the introduction of hydrogen.
The delegation talking with Dr Ian Stone of BCAST, the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology
The delegation then toured Brunel's engines lab and BCAST's metal casting and processing facilities, which provide integrated testing, piloting and scale-up of new hydrogen technologies.
The Brunel Hydrogen team is developing the world’s first digital Hydrogen MSc programme. This innovative offering, which will be able to be completed as a comprehensive degree or in modular CPD units (for continuing professional development), will provide a flexible and accessible pathway for professionals from adjacent sectors to transition seamlessly into the hydrogen industry.
Read our policy brief, published this week, on the key role that hydrogen combustion engines could have in replacing fossil fuel engines in order to meet the UK's net zero targets
Reported by:
Joe Buchanunn,
Media Relations
+44 (0)1895 268821
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk