New Project Funded Under Innovation Launchpad Network+ to Advance Hydrogen Technology

The Innovation Launchpad Network+, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), unites leading universities, the Catapult Network, and regional innovation ecosystems to foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Recently, the Researchers in Residence Innovation Scheme of the Innovation Launchpad Network+ funded a new project titled “Integrating Industry and Academic Perspectives for Advancing Hydrogen Technology: A Roadmapping Approach“.

The principal investigator, Dr Dawei Wu, an associate professor at the University of Birmingham, introduced the project:

“The aim of the project is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application in hydrogen technology development. This project will create an integrated UK roadmap for hydrogen technology, with clear milestones for 2030, 2040, and 2050.”

Dr Wu is also part of the EPSRC-funded HI-ACT Hub, where he leads the development of hydrogen technology roadmaps with an emphasis on a whole energy system approach and hydrogen integration. He added:

“Working closely with the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII) project partners, especially the Connected Places Catapult (CPC), the project will integrate insights from both industry and academia.”

By combining industry needs and upcoming academic research, the new project seeks to identify expertise and technology gaps, highlighting investment opportunities to strengthen the UK’s hydrogen sector. The project also aims to disseminate its findings through workshops with UK experts and a non-technical article to emphasize the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. These efforts will provide valuable information to stakeholders and link the new roadmap with existing ones, enabling further exploration of the topic.

Dr Wu specialises in zero-carbon fuels and emissions-free propulsion technologies for transport. In addition to his role in the UK National Hydrogen Research Centre: HI-ACT Hub, he also serves as the research theme leader for ‘Low-carbon Propulsion Systems’ in the UK Clean Maritime Research Hub.

Dr Wu expects that the newly funded project will represent a step forward in the UK’s efforts to advance hydrogen technology, driving future innovation in the emerging hydrogen sector.