SW England and South Wales to become the UK’s first Hydrogen Ecosystem

The Western Gateway partnership and the GW4 Alliance have unveiled a vision for South West England and South Wales to become the UK’s first Hydrogen Ecosystem, to lead the development of low carbon energy and meet goals to slow climate change.

The Western Gateway Partnership represents the economic powerhouse of South Wales and Western England, whilst the GW4 Alliance brings together the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Their vision in establishing South West England and South Wales as a Hydrogen Ecosystem is to drive further collaboration, share solutions and expertise, and attract global investment.

An interactive online map highlights the numerous industries, universities, research organisations and local authorities already leading the way toward realising hydrogen’s potential as a low carbon energy source to power transport, heat our homes and decarbonising industry.

Katherine Bennett CBE, Chair of the Western Gateway Partnership, said, “By launching this new Hydrogen Ecosystem, our partnership is creating a mechanism to encourage collaboration across the industry to ensure we are turbocharging the development of this clean energy to bring it to the market.”

Professor Lisa Roberts, Chair of GW4 Council and Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Exeter, said, “Tackling climate change and accelerating to net zero requires innovative, whole system solutions. Our academics are at the forefront of new and innovative research, from hydrogen storage batteries to cleaner, smarter propulsion systems.”

Professor Phil Taylor, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol, said, “As a member of the GW4 Alliance our focus is on driving collaborative research that addresses global challenges.”