United Kingdom

THIS ANNUAL SCIENCE Review showcases the high quality of science evidence and analysis that underpins HSE’s risk-based regulatory regime. To be an effective regulator HSE has to balance its approaches to informing directing advising and enforcing through a variety of activities. For this we need capacity to advance knowledge; to develop and use robust evidence and analysis; to challenge thinking; and to review effectiveness.In simple terms policy Read More

It is well-known that deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) may be a significant threat for hydrogen explosions. This paper presents a summary of the work carried out for the development of models in order to enable the industrial computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tool FLACS to provide indications about the possibility of a deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). The likelihood of DDT has been expressed in terms of spatial pressure gradients acr Read More

This discussion session interrogated the current understanding of hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in steels. This article is a transcription of the recorded discussion of ‘Hydrogen in steels’ at the Royal Society Scientific Discussion Meeting ‘The challenges of hydrogen and metals’ 16–18 January 2017.The text is approved by the contributors. E.L.S. transcribed the session. M.P. assisted in the preparation of the manuscriptLink to document download on Roy Read More

With government legislating for net-zero by 2050 what does this mean for UK energy markets and business models?Getting to net-zero will require economy-wide changes that extend well beyond the energy system leading to rapid and unprecedented change in all aspects of society.This report shines a light on the level of disruption that could be required by some sectors to meet net-zero targets. With many businesses making strong commitments to a net-z Read More

Having a robust evidence base enables us to tackle real issues causing pain and suffering in the workplace. Critically it enables us to better understand developing issues and ways of working to ensure that we support innovation rather than stifle it through lack of knowledge. For example the work on the use of 3D printers in schools demonstrates HSE’s bility to engage and understand the risks to encourage safe innovation in a developing area (see p47 Read More

The Sixth Carbon Budget report is based on an extensive programme of analysis consultation and consideration by the Committee and its staff building on the evidence published last year for our Net Zero advice. In support of the advice in this report we have also produced:A Methodology Report setting out the evidence and methodology behind the scenarios.A Policy Report setting out the changes to policy that could drive the changes necessary particula Read More

To develop safety strategies for the use of hydrogen indoors the HyIndoor project is studying the behaviour of a hydrogen release deflagration or non-premixed flame in an enclosed space such as a fuel cell or its cabinet a room or a warehouse. The paper proposes a safety approach based on safety objectives that can be used to take various scenarios of hydrogen leaks into account for the safe design of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell (HFC) early mar Read More

A possible consequence of pressurized hydrogen release is an under-expanded jet fire. Knowledge of the flame length radiative heat flux and fraction as well as the effects of variations in ground reflectance is important for safety assessment. The present study applies an open source CFD code FireFOAM to study the radiation characteristics of hydrogen and hydrogen/methane jet fires. For combustion the eddy dissipation concept for multi-component fuels Read More

The introduction of hydrogen into the UK natural gas main has been reviewed in terms of how materials within the gas distribution network may be affected by contact with up to 80% Natural Gas : 20 mol% hydrogen blend at up to 2 barg. A range of metallic polymeric and elastomeric materials in the gas distribution network (GDN) were assessed via a combination of literature review and targeted practical test programmes.The work considered:The Read More

The paper describes CFD modelling of lean hydrogen mixture deflagrations. Large eddy simulation (LES) premixed combustion model developed at the University of Ulster to account phenomena related to large-scale deflagrations was adjusted specifically for lean hydrogen-air flames. Experiments by Kumar (2006) on lean hydrogen-air mixture deflagrations in a 120 m3  vessel at initially quiescent conditions were simulated. 10% by volume hydrogen-ai Read More

This report contains information on the relative risks of natural gas and hydrogen fires particularly regarding their visibility. The fires considered are those that could occur on the H100 Fife trial network. The H100 Fife project will connect a number of residential houses to 100% hydrogen gas supply. The project includes hydrogen production storage and a new distribution network. From a review of large and small-scale tests and incidents it is concluded th Read More

Climate change is an existential threat to humanity. Without global action to limit greenhouse gas emissions the climate will change catastrophically with almost unimaginable consequences for societies across the world. In recognition of the risks to the UK and other countries the UK became in 2019 the first major economy to implement a legally binding net zero target.The UK has made significant progress in decarbonising its economy but needs to go Read More

There is a need for alternative fuels in the shipping sector for two main motivations: to deliver a reduction in local pollutants and comply with existing regulation; and to mitigate climate change and cut greenhouse gas emissions. However any alternative fuel must meet a range of criteria to become a viable option. Key among them is the requirement that it can deliver emissions reductions over its full life-cycle. For a set of fuels comprising both conve Read More

The European Regulations on type-approval of hydrogen vehicles require thermally-activated pressure relief device (TPRD) to be installed on hydrogen onboard storage tanks to release its content in a fire event to prevent its catastrophic rupture. The aim of this study is to develop a model for design of an inherently safer system TPRD-storage tank. Parameters of tank materials and hydrogen external heat flux from the fire to the tank wall TPRD dia Read More

This paper considers potential import routes for low-carbon and renewable hydrogen (H2) to main European markets like Germany. In particular it analyses claims made by Hydrogen Europe and subsequently picked up by the European Commission in its Hydrogen Strategy that there will be 40GW of electrolyser capacity in nearby countries providing hydrogen imports to Europe by 2030.   The analysis shows that by 2030 potential demand for H2 could be h Read More

Webinar to accompany the launch of the Cadent Future Role of Gas in Transport report which can be found here

In future energy supply systems hydrogen and electricity may be generated in decarbonized industrial clusters using a common infrastructure for natural gas supply electricity grid and transport and geological storage of CO2. The novel contribution of this article consists of using sequential combustion in a steam methane reforming (SMR) hydrogen plant to allow for capital and operating cost reduction by using a single post-combustion carbon capture syste Read More

The generation of hydrogen from water using light is currently one of the most promising alternative energy sources for humankind but faces significant barriers for large-scale applications due to the low efficiency of existing photo-catalysts. In this work we propose a new route to fabricate nano-hybrid materials able to deliver enhanced photo-catalytic hydrogen evolution combining within the same nanostructure a plasmonic antenna nanoparticl Read More

This study presents an integrated techno-environmental assessment of hydrogen production from natural gas and biomethane combined with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). We have included steam methane reforming (SMR) and autothermal reforming (ATR) for syngas production. CO2 is captured from the syngas with a novel vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) process that combines hydrogen purification and CO2 separation in one cycle. As c Read More

The use of clean hydrogen is likely to form a key part of a net-zero emissions future and has the potential to replace natural gas for end use heating. As part of BDR Thermea Group Baxi Heating UK are at the forefront of hydrogen boiler development. Working with the Hy4Heat programme hydrogen fuelled boilers have been produced for inclusion in trial sites across the UK. This presentation will explore progress to date together with the hydrogen-ready boiler concept.

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) compared to compressed gaseous hydrogen offers advantages for large-scale transport and storage of hydrogen with higher densities. Although the gas industry has good experience with LH2 only little experience is available for the new applications of LH2 as an energy carrier. Therefore the European FCH JU funded project PRESLHY conducted pre-normative research for the safe use of cryogenic LH2 in non-industrial set Read More

Heat is one of the UK’s largest energy-consuming and carbon-emitting sectors and potentially the most difficult to decarbonise. The UK’s Clean Growth Strategy identifies that heat decarbonisation in buildings and industry will likely involve shifting away from natural gas to alternative energy vectors like electricity and hydrogen. This will mean transition of existing cooking appliances away from natural gas resulting in social implications that require Read More

This policy statement provides:An overview of our key priorities for the short to medium-term and then moves on to look at how we have continued to abide by the three key principles set out in Scotland's Energy Strategy published in 2017 in our policy design and delivery. Those principles are:a whole-system view;an inclusive energy transition; anda smarter local energy model.An overview of how we have committed to ensuring a green economic recov Read More

As the global electricity systems are shaped by decentralisation digitalisation and decarbonisation the World Energy Council’s Innovation Insights Briefs explore the new frontiers in energy transitions and the challenges of keeping pace with fast moving developments. We use leadership interviews to map the state of play and case studies across the whole energy landscape and build a broader and deeper picture of new developments within and beyond Read More

CCUS has economy-wide qualities which could be very valuable to delivering clean industrial growth. It could deliver tangible results in tackling some of the biggest challenges we face in decarbonising our economy contributing to industrial competitiveness and generating new economic opportunities – a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy.Our vision is to become a global leader in CCUS unlocking the potential of the technology and securing the adde Read More

OutlineThis independent report by Vivid Economics and University College London was commissioned to support the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) 2020 report The Sixth Carbon Budget -The path to Net Zero. This research provided supporting information for Chapter 7 of the CCC’s report which considered the UK’s contribution to the global goals of the Paris Agreement.Key recommendationsThe report models ‘leadership-driven’ global scenarios that cou Read More

Hydrogen sourced from energy recovery processes and conversion of waste materials is a method of providing both a clean fuel and a sustainable waste management alternative to landfill and incineration. The question is whether waste-to–hydrogen can become part of the zero-carbon future energy mix and serve as one of the cleaner hydrogen sources which is economically viable and environmentally friendly. This work critically assessed the potential Read More

There is uncertainty over how heating might practically be decarbonised in the future. This briefing provides some clarity about the possible pathways forward focusing on the next 5-10 years.Meeting the UK government’s net zero emissions goal for 2050 will only be possible by complete decarbonisation of the building stock (both existing and new).  There is uncertainty over the extent to which heating might practically be decarbonised in the future a Read More

The Flexibility in Great Britain project analysed the system-level value of deploying flexibility across the heat transport industry and power sectors in Great Britain to provide a robust evidence-base on the role and value of flexibility in a net zero system.OverviewFindings from this groundbreaking analysis of the future net zero energy system in Great Britain are expected to have profound implications for policymakers households and the wider energy sect Read More

Cutting-edge world-leading energy network innovation is vital to ensuring that our economy can continue to access the energy it needs to safeguard jobs and to maintain our international competitiveness as the world goes through decarbonisation. In this report we build on the 2020 Gas Goes Green Zero Carbon Commitment to set out the scale of investment that Britain’s gas networks wish to deliver to hydrogen innovation projects and preparing the gas n Read More

Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME 2015–2022) is the largest European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (EU FCH JU)-funded hydrogen light vehicle and infrastructure demonstration. Up until April 2017 the 40 Daimler passenger car fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and 62 Symbio Fuel Cell-Range Extended Electric Vans (FC-REEV)-vans deployed by the project drove 625300 km and consumed a total of 7900 kg of hydrogen with no safety inci Read More

The THyGA project (‘Testing Hydrogen admixture for Gas Applications’) focusses on technical aspects and the regulatory framework concerning the potential operation of domestic and commercial end-user appliances with hydrogen / natural gas blends.The core of the project is a broad experimental campaign with the aim to conduct up to 100 hydrogen tolerance tests. In addition the technical status quo and present knowledge about hydrogen impact on do Read More

Policy led decisions aiming at decarbonizing the economy may well exacerbate existing regional economic imbalances. These effects are seldomly recognised in spatially aggregated top-down and techno-economic decarbonization strategies. Here we present a spatial economic framework that quantifies the gross value added associated with low carbon hydrogen investments while accounting for region-specific factors such as the industrial specialization of r Read More

This paper is the first to explore public perceptions about a particular market niche for hydrogen; mobile generators. By utilising a combined research approach including in-situ surveys and online focus groups this paper explores what festival audience members and residents who live near festival sites think about the displacement of incumbent diesel generator technology with hydrogen alternatives. We investigate if hydrogen production methods are Read More

Proposed sustainable transition pathways for moving away from natural gas in domestic heating focus on two main energy vectors: electricity and hydrogen. Electrification would be implemented by using vapourcompression heat pumps which are currently experiencing market growth in many countries. On the other hand hydrogen could substitute natural gas in boilers or be used in thermally–driven absorption heat pumps. In this paper a consistent ther Read More

The urgency of reaching net-zero emissions requires a rapid acceleration in the deployment of all emissions reducing technologies. Near-zero emissions hydrogen (clean hydrogen) has the potential to make a significant contribution to emissions reduction in the power generation transportation and industrial sectors.As part of the Circular Carbon Economy: Keystone to Global Sustainability series with the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia Unive Read More

This latest report describes the potential for CCUS as an important technology during the UK’s energy transition and focuses on the role that metrology (the science of measurement) could play in supporting its deployment. High priority measurement needs and challenges identified within this report include:Measuring and comparing the efficiency of different capture techniques and configurations to provide confidence in investments into tech Read More

Sustainable fuel-range hydrocarbons can be produced via the catalytic decarboxylation of biomass-derived carboxylic acids without the need for hydrogen addition. In this present study 5 wt% platinum on carbon (Pt/C) has been found to be an effective catalyst for hydrothermally decarboxylating butyric acid in order to produce mainly propane and carbon dioxide. However optimisation of the reaction conditions is required to minimise secondary reactions Read More

Clean hydrogen:What's driving the excitement?Will hydrogen stay on the main stage of the energy transition?What is the market for clean hydrogen today?Download the full white paper from the Delta EE website here

An  inter-comparison  among  partners’  CFD  simulations  has  been  carried  out  within  the  EU-funded project PRESLHY to investigate the dispersion of the mixture cloud formed from large scale liquid hydrogen release. Rainout experiments performed by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been chosen for the work. From the HSE experimental series trial-11 was selected forsimulation due to its conditions where  only  liquid  flow  at  the  nozzle  was  a Read More

This paper proposes a novel hybrid marine renewable energy-harvesting system to increase energy production reduce levelized costs of energy and promote renewable marine energy. Firstly various marine renewable energy resources and state-of-art technologies for energy exploitation and storage were reviewed. The site selection criteria for each energy-harvesting approach were identified and a scoring matrix for site selection was proposed to s Read More

This paper looked at 39 hydrogen associations across Europe to understand which economic sectors support the hydrogen transition in Europe and why they do so. Several broad conclusions can be drawn from this paper. It is clear that the support for hydrogen is broad and from a very wide spectrum of economic actors that have clear interests in the success of the hydrogen transition. Motivations for support differ. Sales and market growth are important fo Read More

The iron and steel industry is one of the world’s largest industrial emitters of greenhouse gases. One promising option for decarbonising the industry is hydrogen direct reduction of iron (H-DR) with electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking powered by zero carbon electricity. However to date little attention has been given to the energy system requirements of adopting such a highly energy-intensive process. This study integrates a newly developed long-t Read More

In the last couple of years there has been increasing recognition by key players in the European gas industry that to mitigate the risk of terminal decline in the context of a decarbonising energy system there will need to be rapid scale up of decarbonised gas. This has led to several projections of the scale of decarbonised gas which could potentially be supplied by 2030 2040 or 2050. This paper joint with the Sustainable Gas Institute at Imperial College Read More

In the present work an Ir/CeO2 catalyst was prepared by the deposition–precipitation method and tested in the decomposition of hydrazine hydrate to hydrogen which is very important in the development of hydrogen storage materials for fuel cells. The catalyst was characterised using different techniques i.e. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with X-ray dete Read More

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) commissioned Element Energy to improve our evidence base on the potential of industrial deep-decarbonisation measures (fuel switching CCS/BECCS measures to reduce methane emissions) and develop pathways for their application. This report summarises the evidence and results of the work including:Evidence on the key constraints and costs for technology and infrastructure deploymentThe methodolo Read More

The UK is on course to become a global leader in hydrogen technology. Over £3bn is ready to be invested into hydrogen today. The pace of activity is rapid and the opportunities are vast.Join us at our free to attend event where you will gain unique insights into how the Hydrogen industry is progressing together with exclusive access to future plans.The dynamic and lively session will demonstrate the viability of hydrogen as a key component to achieve Net Read More

Here we report direct physical evidence that confinement of molecular hydrogen (H2) in an optimized nanoporous carbon results in accumulation of hydrogen with characteristics commensurate with solid H2 at temperatures up to 67 K above the liquid vapor critical temperature of bulk H2. This extreme densification is attributed to confinement of H2 molecules in the optimally sized micropores and occurs at pressures as low as 0.02 MPa. The quan Read More

Electrolysis is seen as a promising route for the production of hydrogen from water as part of a move to a wider “hydrogen economy”. The electro-oxidation of renewable feedstocks offers an alternative anode couple to the (high-overpotential) electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction for developing low-voltage electrolysers. Meanwhile the exploration of new membrane materials is also important in order to try and reduce the capital costs of electrolysers Read More

Iridium-containing NaTaO3 is produced using a one-step hydrothermal crystallisation from Ta2O5 and IrCl3 in an aqueous solution of 10 M NaOH in 40 vol% H2O2 heated at 240 °C. Although a nominal replacement of 50% of Ta by Ir was attempted the amount of Ir included in the perovskite oxide was only up to 15 mol%. The materials are formed as crystalline powders comprising cube-shaped crystallites around 100 nm in edge length as seen by scanning Read More