Hydrogen South West members come together for latest quarterly members event at IAPPs facility in Bristol
Representatives from a diverse range of industries came together in Bristol last Wednesday, for Hydrogen South West’s (HSW) latest quarterly meeting. The purpose was to explore the crucial contribution that businesses can make to the pioneering innovation which will underpin the region‘s hydrogen future.
The event was hosted by HSW member IAAPS (Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems), the University of Bath’s research centre for advanced propulsion systems.
With discussions focused on the ‘Hydrogen Innovation Ecosystem in the South West’ attendees had the chance to hear from a range of industry leaders on the role they are playing in developing this infrastructure. These included presentations from the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII), setting the regional research and development opportunity in the national context, as well as from Wales and West Utilities on its Innovation Strategy and Business West’s advice on ‘how to access Finance.’
Members continued the discussion on the steps needed to assist the UK journey to Net Zero in a series of break-out groups covering the topics of Storage and Distribution, Cryogenic Propulsion Systems and the use of digitisation.
HSW director, David Eccles CBE, said: "It was great to see so many of our members come together with such energy to take our agenda forward. It's evident that there is a real urgency to drive hydrogen adoption throughout the South West. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, I’m confident that we can obtain the necessary funding, build the expertise and do the research that will establish our region as the living lab for Research and Development to solve key hydrogen challenges and support the hydrogen economy."
The South West is home to pioneering research and innovation activity. Our members are at the forefront of this work, recognising the importance of a thriving R&D environment in underpinning our hydrogen future.
HSW is a business-led infrastructure ecosystem for the accelerated production, transportation and use of hydrogen, beyond heavy industrial clusters. Through enhancing visibility, fostering collaborations, and facilitating project implementation, we strive to establish ourselves as the hub for expertise and research, while also positioning ourselves as a 'living lab' for long - term research and development to solve key hydrogen challenges.
By joining HSW, organisations have the opportunity to establish connections with a diverse range of businesses and supporting partners and continue to strengthen the South West as the hub for research and development for our evolving hydrogen economy.
Membership offers access to valuable insights into policy and guidance related to the industry, active involvement in pioneering projects and exclusive participation in noteworthy events.