News

Representing the UK, I had the honour of joining an exceptional delegation including Robert Gross and Jamie Speirs from UKERC and Sibimol Luke from HyRES. Together, we shared the UK’s progress in hydrogen innovation, while engaging with international colleagues to chart the path forward for a sustainable, net-zero future.

 

Hydrogen and the G20: A Shared Mission: The G20’s emphasis on clean energy transitions has positioned hydrogen as a priority area for international cooperation. The RD20 Forum, held in parallel with these broader discussions, served as a vital platform for aligning research efforts across countries like India, Japan, Germany, the USA, and Australia.

The alignment of RD20 with G20 objectives highlights hydrogen’s potential to unify global efforts toward decarbonisation. By focusing on innovation, regulatory harmonisation, and shared infrastructure development, the G20 and RD20 aim to accelerate hydrogen adoption and address shared challenges, from reducing emissions to ensuring energy security.

 

Representing the UK at RD20: The UK delegation brought a wealth of expertise and insight to the forum. My own presentation explored hydrogen integration within the UK energy system, highlighting how it can decarbonise heating, industry, and transport while enhancing energy resilience. These themes resonated strongly with the international audience, sparking valuable discussions on best practices and collaborative opportunities.

 

Robert Gross and Jamie Speirs from UKERC added depth to the UK’s contributions. Robert provided critical insights into how hydrogen complements renewable energy systems, while Jamie offered a detailed analysis of policy frameworks needed to scale hydrogen effectively. Sibimol Luke, representing HyRES, showcased groundbreaking work on integrating hydrogen into regional clusters like South Wales, demonstrating how localised solutions can drive economic growth alongside decarbonisation.

 

Collaboration Across Borders: The forum brought together leading research agencies such as NREL (USA), CNRS (France), Fraunhofer (Germany), and institutions from Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Each shared unique perspectives on hydrogen’s role in the global energy transition. From NREL’s advancements in technoeconomic modelling to Fraunhofer’s pioneering work in hydrogen storage and transport, the exchange of ideas was both inspiring and enlightening.

 

Discussions frequently returned to the need for harmonised standards and regulations to support hydrogen trade and market development. Certification schemes like the EU’s CertifHy and the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard were identified as models that could inform a global framework, enabling countries to collaborate more effectively.

 

The HI-ACT and HyRES Projects: The UK’s leadership in hydrogen innovation was further underscored by projects like HI-ACT and HyRES. HI-ACT, which I am closely involved with, focuses on Hydrogen Advanced Local Flexibility (HALF) and its potential to transform energy systems. From district heating to industrial decarbonisation and transport applications, HI-ACT’s integrated approach showcases how hydrogen can enhance system resilience and sustainability. Sibimol Luke’s work with HyRES complements this vision by emphasising the importance of regional hydrogen clusters. Her focus on South Wales exemplifies how hydrogen can serve as a catalyst for industrial transformation and economic revitalisation. Together, these projects highlight the UK’s commitment to both local and global hydrogen solutions.

 

G20 Connections: Bridging Research and Policy: A recurring theme throughout the forum was the importance of connecting research initiatives to the G20 agenda. By aligning RD20 efforts with G20 priorities, participating countries are fostering a unified approach to clean energy transitions. This connection is particularly crucial for scaling hydrogen technologies, as it ensures that innovation is supported by robust policy frameworks and international investment. The forum’s discussions on infrastructure, certification, and market development were directly tied to G20 objectives, underscoring the shared responsibility of member countries to lead the global energy transition. Collaborative initiatives, such as shared research projects and mutual recognition agreements for hydrogen standards, emerged as key strategies for driving progress.

 

An Enriching Experience: Beyond the technical sessions, the forum was an opportunity to experience the vibrancy of New Delhi and the warmth of our Indian hosts. TERI’s hospitality was unparalleled, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect that enriched every interaction.

 

One of the most memorable moments was participating in informal discussions over chai, where ideas flowed freely, and connections were made that will undoubtedly lead to future collaborations. Exploring the city’s landmarks, from India Gate to the bustling markets, provided a glimpse into the cultural richness that underpins India’s role as a leader in global energy dialogues.

 

Looking Forward: A Global Hydrogen Agenda: As I return to the UK, I am inspired by the progress made at RD20 and the potential for hydrogen to transform energy systems worldwide. The alignment between RD20 and the G20’s objectives is a powerful reminder that tackling climate change requires a united, international effort. By continuing to collaborate across borders, we can unlock hydrogen’s full potential and build a sustainable, secure, and equitable energy future.

I am proud to have represented the UK alongside such esteemed colleagues as Robert Gross, Jamie Speirs, and Sibimol Luke. The ideas shared and connections forged at RD20 will undoubtedly shape the next phase of hydrogen innovation, and I look forward to contributing to this critical work in the years ahead.