A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt Universityin collaboration with hydrogen technologies experts Logan Energy and PlusZero.
The newly named ‘Hydrogen Works’ building will see the consortium collaborate across a range of hydrogen-related research and industry projects including clean-power generators, state-of-the-art refuelling infrastructure and cutting-edge energy systems for heavy industry.
As part of Heriot-Watt University’s strategy to engage with business and become leaders in sustainability, it is reshaping its Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh to house innovative companies and clusters, including Logan Energy and PlusZero.
The Scottish Government recently published a draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan setting out its plans to kickstart the production of low carbon hydrogen and carbon capture and storage as part of its ambition to decrease industrial emissions by 43% by 2032.
It’s estimated that Scotland’s energy-intensive industry, which relies on polluting fossil fuels, is responsible for up to 15% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said, “Working hand-in-hand with business is at the very heart of what we do at Heriot-Watt University. Hydrogen Works is an excellent example of how co-location on our campuses can drive engagement and accelerate growth in businesses through access to innovation, talent and entrepreneurial minds.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Logan Energy and PlusZero and building a strong business cluster in Scotland around the future opportunities hydrogen brings to our economy.”
Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, said, “Scotland has vast natural resources with which we can become world leaders in renewable hydrogen production and export, and the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan reaffirms our clear commitment to helping our hydrogen sector grow and prosper.
“We must work collaboratively and innovatively in order to realise the huge potential of hydrogen and partnership is important to accelerate the development of the technology.”
Launched in 2021, PlusZero Power creates portable, zero-carbon generators that are powered by green hydrogen from renewable electricity generated on the Scottish islands, with the aim of replacing greenhouse gas-emitting diesel generators.
