We will continue to showcase the UK as a world leader in a scalable hydrogen economy, through advances in knowledge, technical capabilities, planning and standards. We will also champion the benefits of collaboration, and lead in mentoring the next generation of energy research leaders.
whole system planning methodologies
distributed control in multi-vector energy systems
circular economy business models and whole system regulation pathways
energy resilience and security in national and international hydrogen pathways
As such our objectives are:
To support collaborative, high-quality research into hydrogen integration, HI-ACT will offer funding to researchers at universities or other institutions eligible to receive UKRI funding. This will be through use-case development and a series of Flexible Funds in the mid-later stages of the Hub’s maturity. Through this mechanism, HI-ACT will be able to support and drive forward hydrogen related research not included in HI-ACT’s original remit. Keep an eye out on the Funding page for the latest updates on further support.
1
The Way Forward
This work package looks to investigate the gaps between current levels of hydrogen production, transportation, storage, conversion and usage, and the levels required for achieving net-zero by 2050. It will draw on outputs from the other three workstreams to achieve this.
’The Way Forward’ will produce several forward-thinking technology roadmaps and an overarching roadmap for HALF system integration. The roadmaps will inform future hydrogen technology advancement for industry and business development, as well as guiding policy decisions and social interventions.
2
Whole System Understanding
This work package will push the boundaries of whole systems methodologies, improving HALF characterisation in whole-system modelling tools, and exploring emergent new perspectives on the energy transition. This will include those related to ensuring resilience and security alongside achieving net-zero, as well as contrasting the energy transition delivered by real incentives/behaviour versus those projected by widely used optimisation models.
3
Cyber-Physical Industry
This work package will explore the vital coupling of data and information relating to whole system planning and operational decision support through the creation of a cyber physical architecture (CPA). The CPA will synchronise digital assets with physical networks, within a digital modelling environment. This will generate new learning on current and future opportunities as well as risks leading towards a whole system ontology for accelerated integration of hydrogen technologies.
4
Social and Political Perspectives
This work package will consider solutions or options for a future Whole Energy System (WES) which incorporates HALF from various perspectives. Firstly, considering expert views on HALF energy futures, and the public perceptions of those views.
Secondly, place-based perspectives and solutions for social benefit in WES+HALF transitions.
Lastly, to consider regulatory and policy options which would better enable the WES+HALF futures which the other WPs are investigating.
During this time, we:
The outcomes from this discovery phase can be found on the Consultation Learning and HI-ACT Co-Creation page.
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