Delivering a hydrogen-powered energy transition isn’t just about breakthrough technologies or about system-level planning in isolation. It’s about how the two evolve together.

UK-HyRES and HI-ACT are both EPSRC-funded hydrogen research hubs. At first glance, they may seem similar, but their roles are deliberately distinct. UK-HyRES focuses on low technology readiness level, fundamental research, while HI-ACT undertakes research which can accelerate progress in hydrogen systems integration.

Positioned at opposite ends of the hydrogen spectrum, the two hubs are nonetheless strategically aligned. They work in close partnership to ensure that hydrogen innovation doesn’t just advance but works in the real world.

Here, the head of each hub, Professor Chris Brace, Director and Principal Investigator of UK-HyRES and Professor Sara Walker, Director and Principal Investigator of HI-ACT, share their visions for the alignment of the two hubs and

Sara began the conversation to clarify where both hubs sit in the hydrogen value chain: “HI-ACT looks at the overall energy system, often from a national or international, top-down perspective. UK-HyRES, by contrast, works at the device level, more bottom-up. But we meet at the interface: what functionality devices offer to the system, and what the system needs from those devices.” 

A two-way feedback loop

At the heart of the collaboration is a simple but powerful idea: hydrogen innovation must be bidirectional. Advances in technology shape what’s possible at system level. At the same time, system-level challenges define what technologies are actually needed.

Chris expands on this, highlighting both the opportunity, and the complexity, of working across scales: “The term ‘system’ is often used in different ways, which can lead to confusion. At one level, it refers to specific engineering elements, like a manufacturing plant, an electrolyser, or a vehicle. At another, it describes the larger networks these elements form, such as a national energy system or transport network. Being clear about these definitions is important, especially when working across disciplines”.

He continues by drawing the connection between these layers: “What becomes clear is that these layers are closely interconnected. Improvements at the device or engineering level, like increasing the efficiency of electrolysers, can have significant impacts on the performance of the wider energy system. At the same time, challenges identified at the national or network level can highlight where breakthroughs are needed in materials, components, or technologies”.

This interplay is where progress happens: “Progress depends on strengthening this two-way relationship. Advances at the small scale can unlock system-wide benefits, while large-scale challenges can guide and motivate fundamental research. This kind of bidirectional thinking is essential for driving innovation in complex energy systems.”

Why collaboration is essential

The energy transition is only as strong as its weakest link. From materials and devices, through infrastructure and systems, to policy, safety, and public acceptance, each layer must work together.

This is why UK-HyRES also focuses on four cross-cutting themes, economics, environment, society, and safety. These areas move beyond device-level research to explore the conditions needed for hydrogen technologies to be adopted at scale, from cost and infrastructure to environmental impact, public trust, and risk. This work provides a natural bridge to HI-ACT’s system-level perspective, where these factors are considered within the context of a fully integrated energy system.

Chris is clear about what’s at stake: “Unless you’re pushing across the full picture, you’re not going to achieve the energy transition we’d like to see. Any weak point in that chain will get in the way of adoption.”

This is why UK-HyRES and HI-ACT are deliberately aligned, not just in ambition, but in structure. The two hubs share a Strategic Advisory Board, bringing together expertise from industry, regulation, and energy systems. This group doesn’t just review progress; it helps shape what comes next.

Sara explains how this strengthens their impact: “We’re collectively thinking about the next steps, not just in research, but in policy and deployment, because hydrogen isn’t a one-off transition. It requires a coordinated national approach. The joint advisory board also act as ambassadors for both hubs, amplifying news and initiatives through their own channels.”

Turning insight into opportunity

While still early in their programmes, the hubs are already building the foundations for joint impact.

One emerging area is nuclear-enabled hydrogen production, exploring how nuclear energy can support more efficient hydrogen generation.

Sara highlights the current gap: “While there are already system-level assessments of using nuclear power for hydrogen production, they often don’t fully reflect future technology breakthroughs. At the same time, those breakthroughs need clear direction, driven by national priorities and opportunities.”

Bridging that gap requires closer integration. Chris builds on this: “Without this integration, solutions remain simplistic, such as using nuclear electricity solely for electrolysis. A more joined-up approach, like combining electricity with waste heat from nuclear plants, could significantly improve efficiency. Realising this potential depends on close collaboration between nuclear and hydrogen experts to design more effective, interconnected systems.”

Defining success

For both hubs, success goes beyond academic outputs.

Sara outlines what she would like to see come out of an effective collaboration between the two hubs: “Success would mean a policy, regulatory, and industrial landscape that fully recognises hydrogen’s role in the energy transition, supported by high-quality research that provides a strong evidence base for decision-making.”

Chris adds a complimentary perspective: “Just as importantly, I would like to see clear alignment between national priorities and technological innovation: tangible examples where system-level needs and emerging technologies actively reinforce one another, turning opportunity into real-world progress”.

Navigating the unknowns

Hydrogen’s potential is clear, but significant uncertainties remain.

Sara points to the global context: “Regardless of geopolitics, energy security and resilience of energy systems is going to continue to be high on the agenda. We need to ensure we’re not replacing one supply chain weakness with another, and that we’re thinking about hydrogen supply chains just as carefully as we do for oil and gas today.”

At the same time, technological and system challenges must be addressed in parallel. Chris explains: “Can solutions meet the required performance, cost, and timescales? Can infrastructure roll out quickly enough to support adoption? There’s uncertainty on both sides, technological readiness and system readiness, and both have to progress together.”

He illustrates this with a practical example:
“Take hydrogen flight. There’s an enormous amount of work to be done before we see passenger aircraft powered by hydrogen. We’re looking at a 10-year horizon, and even then, questions remain around affordability and infrastructure. The challenges are evenly split between technology and system readiness.”

Investing in the next generation

Beyond research and systems, both hubs share another priority: people.

From early career researchers to established leaders, building a connected, collaborative community is essential for long-term impact.

Sara emphasises the importance of this investment: “We’re supporting the people who will deliver this transition over the next 30–40 years. It’s about helping them understand not just what they’re researching, but why it matters in the bigger picture.” 

A model for the future

UK-HyRES and HI-ACT are not just working alongside each other, they are testing a new way of doing research.

One where:

• Discovery and deployment are co-designed
• Technology and systems evolve together
• And collaboration spans the full hydrogen value chain

Each hub has a distinct role. But their real strength lies in the connection between them, because that interface is where meaningful progress happens.

Because in the end, the energy transition won’t be delivered by breakthroughs alone. It will be delivered by how well those breakthroughs fit into the systems that power our world.

That’s the shared space where UK-HyRES and HI-ACT operate.

HI‑ACT recently joined colleagues in Sheffield for a jointly hosted Nuclear Enabled Hydrogen Workshop, delivered in partnership with UK‑HyRES: Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels.

The workshop brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to engage in open, constructive discussion around one of the sector’s most complex challenges: how nuclear‑enabled hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels can be deployed at scale, and the barriers that must be addressed to make this possible.

Throughout the day, participants explored the technical, regulatory, and commercial considerations shaping this emerging area, alongside the opportunities that arise from coordinated, whole‑systems thinking.

For HI‑ACT, the workshop marked an important step in deepening cross‑programme collaboration and strengthening the evidence base needed to accelerate clean energy transitions.

We extend our thanks to everyone who contributed their insight and expertise. Further outcomes from the workshop will be shared as this work continues to progress.

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

Earlier in March, HI‑ACT represented the programme at major national events and highlighting the growing impact of our work across the UK hydrogen landscape.

Showcasing HI-ACT at the ECR Net Zero Conference

The week began in Birmingham at the ECR Net Zero Conference, where HI‑ACT had a strong and visible presence.
Professor Sara Walker opened the event with an inspiring keynote that set the tone for the day, Dr Saeed Harati chaired a lively panel on hydrogen integration, bringing together diverse perspectives from across the sector. Meanwhile, Zahra Kheirkhah Ravandi presented her poster on the operational implications of transporting hydrogen via high‑pressure gas networks.

We were also delighted to have Sian Allister and Sophia Forster from our Professional Services team on site, ensuring HI‑ACT’s work was communicated with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism. Sube Singh joined the event too, contributing to the HI‑ACT presence and preparing for his own three‑minute pitch session the following day.

The conference continued with training sessions, sector updates, and career‑focused discussions, making it a rich and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Engaging the Sector at the Hydrogen UK Conference and Awards

At the same time, HI‑ACT was represented at the Hydrogen UK Conference and Awards, where Dewan Hafiz Nabil, Sube Singh, and Sophia Forster spent two days connecting with organisations shaping the UK’s hydrogen future. The team shared insights from across the programme and strengthened relationships with partners and collaborators from across the sector.

HI‑ACT was also shortlisted for two major awards:

• Hydrogen Person of the Year – Professor Sara Walker
• Best Thought Leadership – HI‑ACT Programme

Although we did not take home an award this year, being recognised alongside such strong sector leaders was an honour in itself. The nominations reflect the ambition, influence, and collaborative spirit that define HI‑ACT’s work. We are incredibly proud of the team who represented us on the night: Sara Walker, Karen Henwood, Sube Singh, Jianzhong Wu, and Dawei Wu.

A Week That Reflects HI‑ACT’s Growing Momentum

This period of activity highlights the increasing visibility and impact of HI‑ACT across the UK hydrogen research community. From early‑career engagement and sector leadership to national recognition, the team has demonstrated the strength, ambition, and collaborative energy driving the programme forward.

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

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.

HI-ACT is looking forward to co-hosting the first APEN-DISCO workshop, along with the Applied Energy Journal, Cardiff University and in collaboration with our sister hub UK-HyRES.  This three-day workshop will bring together researchers, industry and policy communities and aims to serve as a globally leading forum to advance the field of hydrogen energy system integration.   Keynote speakers include:

• Prof. John Loughhead, RAEng and CAE Fellow, former UK Chief Scientific Adviser on Energy
• Prof. Xianguo Li, Fellow of Canadian and Engineering Institutes, Editor-in-Chief of IJGE and Frontiers in Thermal Engineering
• Prof. Sally Brooker, Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand
• Mr. Martin van Agteren, Principal Asset Manager, Gasunie
• Mr. Daniel Schwappach, Head of Energy Enterprise Solutions, Siemens Energy (MEA)
  
  

As the world strives to meet the shared Net Zero targets, while providing sustainable, reliable and affordable energy access for all, there is a critical need for timely and collaborative research and publication of new energy solutions. APEN-Disco is a new platform to serve the APEN research community, leading the research advancement in applied energy, and facilitating high-impact publications on Applied Energy

Registration for this event is now open.  Please check the website APEN-Disco – Applied Energy Discovery Workshops  for more information.

On the 25th March 2025, HI-ACT hosted its first of a new webinar series on hydrogen- related topics delivered by world-class academics and industry practitioners. 

The webinar was delivered by Alok Choudhary and Hamed Kalantari from the University of Warwick, titled ‘Hydrogen Supply Chain: The UK’s Capabilities, Readiness, and Strategic Challenges,‘ inspired by their research on hydrogen supply chain availability analysis. This session explored how the UK strives toward Net-Zero targets through hydrogen initiatives by assessing its position in the hydrogen economy and supply chain availability throughout the country. Through their research, which merges thorough analysis with industry insights, they capture the full scope of UK supply chain capabilities and barriers while preparing for discussions about advancing this essential energy transition.  

In this webinar, they explore the capabilities of the UK hydrogen supply chain from hydrogen production, storage & distribution, and end-use applications and assess the availability of the hydrogen supply chain. Finally, they will examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the UK hydrogen supply chain.

Speaker Bio: Prof Alok Choudhary, 

Dr. Alok Choudhary is a Professor of Supply Chain Management and Head of the Supply Chain Research Group at WMG, University of Warwick. He is also the co-founder and lead of the JLR-WMG Supply Chain Innovation Hub, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover.  

Alok’s research focuses on advancing responsible, secure, and resilient supply chains to address sustainability challenges and safeguard critical industries. His work integrates industry-driven, interdisciplinary approaches to promote responsible supply chains through Net Zero, circular economy, and ESG compliance frameworks; enhance security and resilience via supply chain mapping, risk mitigation, and UK-centric supply strategies; leverage AI/ML and operational research for sustainability and transparency.

A globally recognized thought leader in supply chain management, he drives transformative change across industries and policy landscapes through cutting-edge research and high-impact industry collaborations focused on supply chain resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability. With an interdisciplinary research portfolio exceeding £30 million in funded projects, Dr. Choudhary has built strategic partnerships with leading UK universities, policymakers, and industry leaders.

A trusted advisor to businesses and policymakers, Dr. Choudhary’s research has driven measurable improvements across global manufacturing organizations, while his executive education programs have helped SMEs enhance sustainability, productivity, and risk management.

A sought-after keynote speaker and panel chair at world-leading forums, he continues to shape industry best practices and global policy frameworks, future proofing the supply chain and making it more resilient, intelligent, and sustainable for the future.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Hamed Kalantari, expertise include; supply chain network design, digital logistics, and freight transport. Recent research; Intelligent last-mile delivery systems, Predicting the drivers’ behaviour in freight road transport, and A FinTech-Logistic system in freight road transports.

To view the webinar please follow this link- HI ACT Webinar: Hydrogen Supply Chain – The UK’s Capabilities, Readiness, and Strategic Challenges – YouTube