A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt University, in collaboration with hydrogen technology firms 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, refuelling infrastructure and energy systems for heavy industry.
Heriot-Watt University is reshaping its Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh to house innovative companies and clusters.
Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt, said: “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.”
Edinburgh-based Logan Energy has more than 26 years’ experience in delivering projects in the hydrogen and clean energy sectors. It specialises in integrated engineering solutions incorporating hydrogen technologies, including production, refuelling, storage, distribution and fuel cells.
Chief executive Bill Ireland said: “With demand for net zero technologies greater than ever, this collaboration demonstrates the innovative ways academia, industry and enterprise can work cheek-by-jowl to meet our collective energy-solution needs.
“The further development and roll-out of standardised, proven hydrogen technologies will only accelerate the transition from environmentally damaging fossil fuels and encourage the wider adoption of renewable energy sources across industry and society.”
Launched in 2021, PlusZero Power creates portable 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.
Managing director David Amos said: “In the two years since we launched, our innovative green hydrogen generator has already removed tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere at several festival and live music events.
“It’s abundantly clear that there is huge potential to bring this ready-to-go green hydrogen solution to other sectors including outdoor filming, construction, and industry, as well as outdoor events.”
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