Hydrogen used as fuel

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) recently joined forces with Japanese manufacturers Hrein Energy to promote renewable energy-based hydrogen infrastructure projects throughout the UK and Europe.

Regional development agency One North East brokered in the CPI team in Wilton following news of Hrein Energy’s plans to commercialise a system that stores hydrogen originating from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Hrein Energy envisages selling hydrogen cheaply at points of demand, such as existing petrol stations.

It plans to convert organic hydride to hydrogen via a compact ‘dehydrogenator’ installed at each site.

One North East is hoping to maximise the potential of the agreement with CPI by offering inward investment opportunities that will add value to the region.

The move follows One North East’s ongoing investment in low carbon technologies and renewable energy sources.

Graham Hillier, director of Low Carbon Energy at CPI, said: ‘Without simple and easy to use methods of storage and distribution, the use of hydrogen as a fuel is unlikely to grow rapidly.

‘North-east England has all the processes and raw materials necessary to produce and store hydrogen using this innovative new approach.

‘There is a great opportunity for companies in the region to benefit from developing this new hydrogen storage technology for the mass market.’