A group of nine leading organisations covering aerospace, shipping, hi-tech engineering and public utilities have come together to launch Hydrogen South West, a partnership which will create an infrastructure ecosystem that will bring the benefits of hydrogen to the South West of England.

This infrastructure ecosystem of key industries will decarbonise transport, commerce and power, drive sustainable growth, upskill the region and deliver new job opportunities.

Focusing on key challenges around decarbonising key industries such as shipping, aviation and housing as well as industry the consortium comprises leading companies easyJet, Airbus and Hynamics (EDF); industrial heavyweights GKN Aerospace; consultants and engineers Costain and Wood; and regional leaders Bristol Port, Bristol Airport, and Wales and West Utilities.

The collaboration creates links between supply and demand centres in the region, and enables cross-sector partnerships that will drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technology.

Hydrogen South West supports the government's ambitious drive to generate 10 GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. It will also provide a means for further representation and collaboration in national initiatives.

Several pilot projects are planned, including:

Hydrogen Hub at Bristol Port - a study is underway to explore configuring the port to accept hydrogen by ship, power landside vehicles with hydrogen and establish a hydrogen production facility at the port. The project includes developing a local pipeline network and supporting Airbus' hydrogen-powered aircraft of the future

Project Acorn - easyJet aims to begin flying hydrogen aircraft as soon as they are commercially viable. To prepare the ground, the company will introduce hydrogen powered Ground Support Equipment at Bristol Airport

UK ZEDC - Airbus is launching its Zero Emission Development Centre (ZEDC) for hydrogen technologies. This will assist developing Airbus's ZEROe passenger aircraft by 2035, supporting the drive to 'jet zero; green jobs and ambitious net zero targets

"The South West has a rich engineering and energy history, and is home to a powerful cluster of leading aerospace, transport and logistics businesses," said Simon Earles, Hydrogen South West chair. "This combination of industrial experience, delivery expertise and regional knowledge presents a formidable opportunity to accelerate the UK's transition to alternative power at scale."

Jey Williams, Head of Fuel Systems Integration and Airbus focal point for Hydrogen South West, added, "This is a perfect follow up to Airbus' recent announcement of investment in the Airbus Filton site as a Zero Emissions Development Centre. We're delighted to be a member of this consortium. HSW will leverage Airbus' positive impact on the region in terms of hydrogen skills and supply chain development, and in turn Airbus will benefit from cross-industry collaboration to understand and deliver the hydrogen ecosystems needed for net zero flight."

Max Brown, VP Technology at GKN Aerospace said said, "The next decade is critical to build the foundations of a sustainable future, which will require significant collaboration across industries and Government. Hydrogen is set to play a key role in that future, as we collaborate to achieve the Government's Net Zero 2050 targets.

There are clearly major challenges to develop the infrastructure needed and Hydrogen South West has been established to help meet this challenge head-on. GKN Aerospace is already exploring the technology to enable hydrogen-powered zero carbon emissions flight, and with its strong industrial ecosystem, we see the South West as the ideal hub for hydrogen development in the coming years."

Andy Clarke, Director of Integrated Transport at Costain said, "The South West has a rich history of developing innovative transport connections and is perfectly positioned to link greener energy, heat and power with key transportation modes including shipping lanes and flight paths. These connections make it the obvious choice for creating an ecosystem for the roll out of hydrogen to the UK.

"At Costain, we see moving away from carbon-based fuels for transportation as critical to our efforts to enable healthier, happier and better-connected communities. By leveraging new technologies and even more collaborative ways of working, we can enable seamless, cleaner and more active journeys for customers."

The partnership is working with Business West to create a skills development proposition that would bring upskilling and employment benefits to communities across the West of England. This has been formalised with the Hydrogen South West Skills Consortium. By driving investment and innovation in decarbonising technology, the South West is poised to become a centre of excellence for hydrogen expertise.

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