Project to assess feasibility of hydrides as store for hydrogen

Dubbed PATCH (Production and Long Term Containment of Hydrides), the project is funded by energy network users and consumers through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), an Ofgem programme managed in collaboration with Innovate UK.

Hydrogen is seen as a key driver of the move to net zero but is volatile and can be difficult to store and transport in its pure form.

Hydrides are composed of hydrogen and one or more other elements and can potentially be used as a safe storage medium for the gas.

Under the initiative, Teesside University will conduct preliminary discovery phases essential for understanding the potential outcomes, challenges, and resource requirements for the further development of chemical hydrides.

The research aims to assess the market potential of using chemical hydrides as a storage vector for hydrogen, coupled with their production at industrial hubs, thereby reducing energy requirements and facilitating widespread storage distribution across the UK.

In a statement, Dr Faizan Ahmad, Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering at Teesside University and principal investigator on the project, said: "At Teesside University, we are committed to leveraging our research expertise to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.

“We are delighted to be part of this project, which promises to have a tangible impact on realizing the UK's net zero ambitions."

Nick Smith, innovation manager for Northern Gas Networks, said the project would play a significant role in supporting the company's commitment to delivering net zero emissions at the lowest possible cost.

"As a gas network, we recognise our responsibility to our 6.8 million customers to drive progress towards net zero,” he said. “This work is instrumental in helping us understand how we can achieve that goal efficiently and expediently."