Cymru H2 Wales
The University of Glamorgan is investing £6.3m to develop new processes, products and services as part of the Cymru H2 Wales project (Experimental Development of Clean Hydrogen Energy in Wales). It will create 20 new research staff over the next three years and a further 60 permanent jobs in hydrogen energy.
The aim of the project is to build on existing knowledge, experience and facilities in Wales to
develop new processes, products and services in the emerging field of hydrogen energy
Work will take place at The University of Glamorgan’s Renewable Hydrogen Research and
Demonstration Centre at Baglan and will build on the University’s established research into
hydrogen energy. The project will explore Hydrogen Energy Storage, Biohydrogen process development,
Hydrogen vehicle propulsion systems and Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The project will also
investigate, develop and demonstrate low carbon processes to recover and clean up and utilise
product gases and intermediates from the biohydrogen/biotmethane and other novel hydrogen producing
processes.
A hydrogen combustion engine test facility at Baglan will be developed to provide a strategic hydrogen refuelling infrastructure plan for Wales, identifying locations for a phased implementation of hydrogen refuelling. Glamorgan intends to secure additional funds to develop at least one and possibly two hydrogen refuelling facilities in Wales.
In addition, Glamorgan is investigating the use of hydrogen as a viable energy storage system for electricity generated by intermittent renewables such as solar cells and wind turbines. This will develop and optimise the interface between intermittent renewable electricity and hydrogen as an energy store.
The Hydrogen Centre will also provide a base for the University’s policy, economic and social
research activities.