This webinar explores how the UK can strategically plan £80–150 billion of hydrogen infrastructure investment as it accelerates toward its 2050 net‑zero target. Using cutting‑edge game theory, the session examines three UK case studies comparing competitive market approaches with cooperative planning frameworks.

The presenters demonstrate how planning choices can significantly influence both cost and emissions outcomes, particularly for hydrogen‑intensive pathways. The webinar also introduces a Shapley‑value‑based methodology for identifying which technologies merit policy support and the level of support required. Practical policy recommendations are shared, including hybrid market structures, coordination platforms for industrial clusters, and adaptive support mechanisms.



Presenters:

You can view this webinar here Webinar -Strategic Investment Planning for Hydrogen Infrastructure in the UK Game Theory Insights

HI‑ACT is delighted to share that Natalia Zografou‑Barredo, one of our Postdoctoral Research Associates and a former HI‑ACT secondee, has been selected as a finalist in the Engineering category at STEM for Britain 2026.

STEM for Britain is a long‑established scientific poster competition and exhibition held annually in the Houses of Parliament. Organised by the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee and chaired by George Freeman FRSA MP, the event has, since 1997, provided parliamentarians with a unique opportunity to engage directly with outstanding research being carried out by early‑career scientists, engineers and mathematicians across the UK.

The competition recognises excellence in communicating complex, high‑level research to a lay audience. Prizes are awarded across five disciplines, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences and Physics with the prestigious Westminster Medal presented to the overall winner in memory of Dr Eric Wharton, who played a pivotal role in establishing the event.

Natalia will be presenting a poster based on the research she undertook during her HI‑ACT secondment, showcasing this work in the House of Commons on 17 March 2026.

HI‑ACT is incredibly proud to see Natalia’s work recognised on a national stage and congratulates her on this significant achievement.

On Thursday 11 December 2025, Karen Henwood, Gareth Thomas and Emily Sunman, were invited to present HI‑ACT research at a research celebration event held at Main College, Cardiff University.



This invitation followed the continued success of HI‑ACT’s public engagement programme. After an impactful first public workshop in Milford Haven on 4 March 2025, a second public engagement research workshop was delivered in Port Talbot on 4 December 2025.

Together, these events are generating valuable place‑based insights while contributing to a growing body of social science research that explores how both experts and local communities understand, envision, and respond to the development of hydrogen megaprojects.

This work is helping to build a richer, more inclusive understanding of the social dimensions of hydrogen transitions in South Wales and beyond.

We are delighted to announce that HI‑ACT has been shortlisted for two Hydrogen UK Awards, recognising our continued commitment to leadership, innovation, and impact within the UK hydrogen sector.

Presented annually at the Hydrogen UK Annual Conference & Awards, these prestigious awards spotlight the individuals and organisations driving progress across the hydrogen economy from technological advancement and infrastructure development to transport, industrial applications, and financial leadership that accelerates clean‑energy growth.



What the Awards Celebrate



The Hydrogen UK Awards recognise those who are shaping the future of hydrogen through:

Thought leadership that helps transform the UK’s clean‑energy landscape

Award Nomination: Hydrogen Person of the Year 2026

Breakthroughs in hydrogen technologies and infrastructure

Leadership in transport and industrial applications

Strategic insight and financing that enables sector‑wide scale‑up



We are incredibly proud to share that HI‑ACT Director, Sara Walker, has been shortlisted for Hydrogen Person of the Year 2026.

This award celebrates exceptional leadership and recognises individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the growth and sustainability of the hydrogen sector. Sara’s nomination reflects her outstanding leadership, influence, and tireless commitment to advancing hydrogen policy, innovation, and collaboration across the UK.



Award Nomination: Best Thought Leadership

HI‑ACT has also been shortlisted for Best Thought Leadership, an award recognising organisations that are advancing the hydrogen knowledge base and delivering insight that supports the industry’s development and scale‑up.

The judging panel highlighted HI‑ACT’s ambition, depth of insight, and strong commitment to accelerating progress across this critical sector, reinforcing our role as a trusted voice shaping the future of hydrogen in the UK.



A Shared Achievement

We are honoured to be recognised alongside so many inspiring organisations and individuals who are helping to build a resilient, low‑carbon energy future. These nominations are a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved in HI‑ACT’s work, and a special congratulations goes to Sara Walker for this outstanding personal achievement.

We look forward to continuing our work to support innovation, collaboration, and evidence‑led progress across the UK hydrogen economy.

We are delighted to share that Professor Sara Walker, Director of HI-ACT, delivered a keynote address at the 17th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE2025), held from 8–12 December at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

Under the theme “Nurturing Sustainable Energy Innovations,” ICAE2025 brought together global experts, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore solutions for sustainable energy transitions and carbon neutrality. Professor Walker’s keynote focused on the importance of whole energy systems thinking and collaborative innovation in accelerating progress toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

The conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, technical sessions, and workshops covering topics such as renewable energy technologies, energy storage, hydrogen systems, and sustainability strategies. It served as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships that will shape the next generation of energy solutions.

We extend our thanks to the ICAE organizers for hosting such an impactful event and look forward to continuing the conversation on driving sustainable energy innovation.

Watch our most recent webinar! This session explores the growing role of hydrogen and ammonia in the global energy transition, focusing on emerging trade routes, infrastructure challenges, and market opportunities.



Our expert speakers, Prof Paul Dodds and Jane Fakhreddine, discuss policy frameworks, pricing dynamics, and the future outlook for international supply chains. You can access the recorded webinar below.



Watch the recorded webinar here- HI ACT Webinar- Global hydrogen and Ammonia trade


HI-ACT were delighted to present at a recent event hosted by EPSRC focused on exploring new and emerging opportunities in transport, inspired by the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and other key mission publications. The event was attended by director Sara Walker and Prof Dawei Wu.

The discussions highlighted critical challenges and future priorities for innovation in transport systems, drawing insights from documents such as the Industrial Strategy, the DfT Science, Innovation and Technology Plan 2025, and UK Transport Vision 2050. A dedicated session also explored potential areas for impactful interventions, ensuring that research and collaboration continue to align with national goals for sustainability, resilience, and technological advancement.

HI-ACT is pleased to share the recording of our recent webinar, “Hydrogen’s Role in the Global Energy Transition,” presented by Prof. Aoife Foley. This insightful session explores how hydrogen can accelerate the journey to net zero and what is needed to unlock its full potential.



The webinar covers key themes shaping the hydrogen economy:



Watch the full recording here

Last week, HI-ACT convened its research community for two highly productive days at the University of Warwick, advancing our mission to accelerate hydrogen integration for a net-zero energy future.



The event opened with an inspiring keynote from Jennifer Pemberton and Anton Orpin-Massey of the National Energy System Operator, setting the tone for collaborative discussions. This was followed by detailed sessions on the HI-ACT Flex Fund, featuring insights from Zoya Pourmirza and Natalia Zografou-Barredo, and Quarterly Reporting led by Natalia Pynirtzi.
The day concluded with an engaging Early Career Researcher session, supported by Dr Claire Brewis, focused on shaping plans for 2026.


Momentum continued with Prof Sara Walker presenting the HI-ACT Strategic Review, alongside collaborative walk-and-talk work package meetings across Warwick’s picturesque winter campus. Attendees also enjoyed tours of the University’s cutting-edge hydrogen laboratories, followed by a roundtable discussion on key research priorities for the future



We extend our sincere thanks to the University of Warwick for their warm hospitality and excellent catering, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
A huge thank you to the entire HI-ACT team and our partners for their dedication and collaboration.

On 12th November 2025, HI-ACT was proud to participate in the Hydrogen Innovation Showcase 2025 in Central London. The event, organised by the Hydrogen Energy Association and led by the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII) in partnership with the Henry Royce Institute, brought together hydrogen technology innovators, suppliers, customers, and investors to explore the latest developments in hydrogen innovation.



The showcase provided an excellent platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, highlighting the critical role hydrogen plays in achieving a net-zero energy future.



We were delighted that HI-ACT Director, Prof Sara Walker, presented during the event, sharing our vision and research priorities for hydrogen systems integration and the progress being made across our work packages.

A huge thank you to the organisers for hosting such a dynamic and engaging event. HI-ACT looks forward to continuing these conversations and working with partners across the sector to accelerate hydrogen integration in the UK.