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
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:
- Dr. Adib Allahham, Assistant Professor in Smart Energy Systems, Northumbria University
- Dr. Mohamed Abuella, Research Fellow in Energy Systems, Northumbria University
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.
