To boost the goal of sustainable energy solutions, the University of St Andrews has received a £2 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to establish the Green Hydrogen Accelerator
This funding will drive groundbreaking research into green hydrogen technologies, aiming to revolutionise the energy and chemical industries and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
What is the Green Hydrogen Accelerator?
The Green Hydrogen Accelerator will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing efficient hydrogen production from water and exploring its applications in energy storage and chemical production.
Plans for the facility, containing an innovation hall, laboratory space and a secured compound housing a large-scale electrolyser for green hydrogen production and carbon capture units, have been submitted to Fife Council.
The 400 square meter research facility will be at the University’s Eden Campus, the former paper mill site at Guardbridge, three miles from St Andrews.
The echo-friendly future
The £13 million project represents a crucial milestone in the University’s vision for the Eden campus. With facilities designed to foster the development of the next generation of low-carbon technologies, the campus aims to play a pivotal role in the transition towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Derek Watson, the University of St Andrews Quaestor and Factor, expressed gratitude for the Wolfson Foundation’s support. He noted, “Now, more than ever, the world is looking for ways in which to combat the climate crisis, and our researchers at St Andrews are showing how hydrogen can be part of the solution to that challenge.”
Professor John Irvine, who leads the university’s efforts in energy storage and hydrogen production, highlighted the importance of the Green Hydrogen Accelerator.
He stated, “It will provide us with essential research and development space to accelerate the development of these new technologies,” underlining its role in demonstrating how hydrogen can shape future energy systems.
Creating sustainable energy solutions
Dr. Paul Webb, known for his work on Power to X, which uses hydrogen as a basis for manufacturing fuels and chemicals, emphasised the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels. He stated, “To achieve Net Zero targets, we must transition from the use of fossil fuels and explore new ways to integrate a future low carbon energy system with carbon recycle for chemicals production.”
“To achieve Net Zero targets, we must transition from the use of fossil fuel”
Dr. Webb believes the Green Hydrogen Accelerator will enable groundbreaking research into energy, fuels, and chemical production using only water, waste streams, and air components, potentially creating carbon-negative processes to offset emissions from hard-to-decarbonise sectors.
Paul Ramsbottom expressed delight in supporting St Andrews’ new infrastructure, believing it will accelerate the drive towards cleaner energy not only for Scotland but also globally.
As the Green Hydrogen Accelerator takes shape, its potential impact on sustainable energy solutions and the global fight against climate change is eagerly anticipated, positioning the University of St Andrews as a leader in pioneering research for a greener future.
