The HI‑ACT Professional Services team came together on 13 April for a focused and highly productive Away Day, held in the King George VI Building at Newcastle University. The session was designed to support two core priorities for the programme: enhancing the visibility and accessibility of HI‑ACT’s research outputs, and reviewing the overarching Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that guide progress across the project.
A major focus of the day was a comprehensive review of the HI‑ACT website. The team examined how effectively the site showcases research findings and how easy it is for stakeholders – including funders, policy makers, partners, industry, and the wider research community to locate and engage with HI‑ACT’s outputs. This work will help ensure that dissemination is clear, intuitive, and aligned with the needs of those who rely on HI‑ACT’s evidence and insights.
Alongside the website review, the team revisited the full set of HI‑ACT Key Performance Indicators, considering both the programme‑wide measures and those specific to Professional Services. This provided an opportunity to reflect on progress to date and refine what meaningful, achievable indicators should look like for the remainder of the project.
It was great to have Abbie Banner, Sophia Forster, Dr Claire Brewis, Sian Allister, and Natalia Pynirtzi together in person, each contributing to a constructive and forward‑looking discussion.
With clear actions now in place, the team heads into a busy and purposeful period as we continue strengthening HI‑ACT’s digital presence and performance framework.
Celebrating Innovation, Collaboration, and Global Impact
HI-ACT is delighted to announce the successful projects awarded through Call 2 of both the New and Expanding Areas Flex Fund and the Global Impact Flex Fund. These awards recognise outstanding research leadership, bold ideas, and collaborative ambition across the hydrogen and net-zero energy landscape. Congratulations to all successful applicants.
New and Expanding Areas Flex Fund
This fund supports researchers and industry partners to co-create cutting‑edge research exploring the role of hydrogen in local and regional net‑zero energy transitions.
A significant portion of the fund is dedicated to Early Career Researcher (ECR) leadership, and we are proud that three of the four awarded projects are led by ECRs.
Applications for this call were heavily oversubscribed, reflecting the strength and creativity of the UK hydrogen research community. Competition was exceptionally high.
Awarded Projects
• Dr Saeed Harati (ECR), University of Birmingham H2 PlaNet: Hydrogen and Hydrology Planning for Net Zero Energy Transitions
• Dr Shadab Alam (ECR), NZIIC, Teesside University Nuclear Enabled Hydrogen and Direct Air Capture for Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A TEA LCA Assessment
• Dr Weiqi Hua (ECR), University of Birmingham WHISPER: Whole System Hydrogen Integration in Supporting Place‑Based Equitable Net Zero Transition
• Dr Alok Kumar, Brunel University London Contribution of Hydrogen to Energy Transition of Urban Industrial Clusters (CHETUIC)
Global Impact Flex Fund
The Global Impact Flex Fund enables international visits, researcher exchanges, and short-term collaborations that strengthen HI-ACT’s global visibility and amplify the international reach of our research.
Awarded Projects
• Dr Shahab Dehghan, Newcastle University Resilient Integration of Green Hydrogen into Net Zero Energy Systems under Transient Security Limits: A UK–Australia Collaboration (RIGHT UKAU)
• Dr Sube Singh, WMG, University of Warwick Global Collaboration for Hydrogen Supply Chain Readiness, Resilience, and System Integration
• Dr Amir Jahanbakhsh, Heriot-Watt University Challenges with Hydrogen Storage in Underground Porous Media: Microbial Consumption and Residual Trappings
We are pleased to highlight the contribution of Prof Sara Walker, HI‑ACT Director, to recent media coverage of a landmark £50 million green hydrogen project planned for Milford Haven. The development is one of the first to progress through the UK Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR) and is expected to begin construction later this year.
The project represents a significant step forward for the UK’s hydrogen economy, aiming to produce 2,000 tonnes of low‑carbon hydrogen annually and deliver more than 15,000 tonnes of CO₂e savings each year. Powered primarily by UK wind energy, the facility will support both regional decarbonisation and national energy security.
Speaking to the press, Prof Walker emphasised the critical role of green hydrogen in sectors where electrification alone cannot meet industrial heat requirements:
“By making hydrogen from green electricity, we’re using cleaner hydrogen, and supporting industries like steel, ceramics and glass to transition away from natural gas. These things need really high temperatures, and if you did it through only electricity it would be quite difficult to get to the temperatures that you need.”
Project Overview
£50 million investment backed through HAR
- 60 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles
- 2,000 tonnes of low‑carbon hydrogen produced annually
- Over 15,000 tonnes CO₂e savings projected each year
- Powered by UK renewables, primarily wind
This project demonstrates the growing momentum behind hydrogen as a key enabler of the UK’s net‑zero transition — and we are proud to see HI‑ACT expertise informing the national conversation.
Read the full article here: Construction on Milford Haven hydrogen production plant to begin – BBC News
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.
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.
Last month, researchers and industry representatives from HI-ACT and UK-HyRES visited Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany to explore new opportunities in hydrogen technologies, energy systems, and net zero research.
The visit showcased UK research capabilities, fostered academic-industry partnerships, and initiated discussions on joint projects, student exchanges, and future funding.
Highlights included welcome presentations, in-depth discussions on hydrogen innovation, a guided tour of Jülich’s facilities, and a networking dinner with senior researchers.
This milestone visit reinforces HI-ACT’s commitment to international collaboration and its role in shaping the global energy transition.
Last week, members of the HI-ACT Executive Board; Prof. Sara Walker, Prof. David Flynn, Prof. Jianzhong Wu, Prof. Adam Hawkes- along with professional services colleagues Dr Claire Brewis and Sian Allister, came together to reflect on over two years of progress and discuss priorities for the road ahead.
As the hydrogen sector continues to evolve, HI-ACT’s research plays a critical role in addressing uncertainty, evaluating integration scenarios, and supporting a just transition to net zero.
HI-ACT remains a trusted, independent voice in the energy landscape, co-developing research that is relevant, actionable, and aligned with real-world needs.
HI-ACT Wins Prestigious UK Universities’ Award at the 2025 Hydrogen Awards
We’re thrilled to share that HI-ACT has been named the WINNER of the UK Universities’ Award at the 2025 Hydrogen Awards last week.
This incredible recognition highlights the outstanding work of our team in driving hydrogen innovation and fostering collaboration across the UK. The award was announced last week at the Hydrogen Conference, held at Conference Aston in Birmingham, which we have shared some photographs of below. A fantastic event that brought together leaders and pioneers from across the hydrogen sector.
The award was proudly accepted by our director, Professor Sara Walker, on behalf of the HI-ACT team. We’re deeply grateful to the University of Birmingham for representing us on the day and helping showcase the impact of our work.
A huge congratulations to everyone involved in HI-ACT! This achievement is a testament to your dedication, expertise, and passion for shaping a sustainable hydrogen future.
