Nine organisations in the South West have announced a major new partnership as part of efforts to decarbonise industry and drive regional growth.
The group, which spans aerospace, shipping, hi-tech engineering and public utilities, have joined forces in a bid to develop a new hydrogen infrastructure ecosystem.
Under the banner Hydrogen South West (HSW), the consortium will look to enable cross-sector partnerships to produce, utilise, capture, store and transport the element across the area.
As well as helping to reduce polluting emissions in key industries and transport, the group said it could help upskill the region and deliver new job opportunities.
Aerospace giants Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Bristol Airport, airline Easyjet, Bristol Port consultants and engineers Costain and Wood, Hynamics, energy giant EDF’s hydrogen subsidiary Hynamics and Wales and West Utilities, are behind the scheme.
HSW will support a government target to generate 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
The group said that through driving investment and innovation in decarbonising technology, the South West was poised to become “a centre of excellence” for hydrogen expertise.
Several pilot projects are planned, including:
- a study into the possibility of a hydrogen production facility at Bristol Port;
- Easyjet’s plans to introduce introduce hydrogen powered ground support equipment at Bristol Airport;
- and Airbus’ recently announced hydrogen research hub at its base in Filton, South Gloucestershire which will support its ambitions to develop the world's first zero-emission commercial aircraft by 2035.
Bristol Airport’s sustainability boss Simon Earles, who will chair Hydrogen South West, 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.”
Jey Williams, head of fuel systems integration at Airbus, added “This is a perfect follow up to Airbus’ recent announcement of investment in the Airbus Filton site as a Zero Emissions Development Centre.
“We’re delighted to be a member of this consortium. HSW will leverage Airbus’ positive impact on the region in terms of hydrogen skills and supply chain development, and in turn Airbus will benefit from cross-industry collaboration to understand and deliver the hydrogen ecosystems needed for net zero flight.”
The group said it was working with Bristol-based chamber of commerce Business West to create a skills development proposition to boost skills and employment across the West of England.
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