EMPOWERING THE PLANET.
Technology can provide solutions to the climate crisis. But only if it’s green.
Our ongoing use of fossil fuels poses a major threat to our planet, impacting the climate and environment as well as the health of people and wildlife globally.
To help save our planet and make a positive change, we are using our pioneering green hydrogen research and innovation to address critical issues and questions.
We are leading the movement towards a safer, sustainable future for our world.
HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY FOR FUEL PRODUCTION.
Zero emissions, a Net Zero future.
Hydrogen is potentially vital for Net Zero, offering the scope to deliver energy security, accelerating our journey towards Net Zero while reducing Britain’s productivity gap.
The Hydrogen Works, led by Loughborough University, is driving hydrogen skills, innovation and productivity,
with a
£26 MILLION INVESTMENT
from various sources, to make the East Midlands a hydrogen superpower.
In collaboration with The University of Nottingham, our work has received a funding boost from the East Midlands Freeport. This will help accelerate the translation of zero-carbon research into high-impact innovations spanning commercial and policy solutions.
“Green hydrogen will be central to the solution for an accelerated Net Zero transition.”
Dan Parsons
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation
This forms part of our longer-term plans to develop an innovation ecosystem that enables the East Midlands to build on its industrial heritage and help deliver advanced technologies and manufacturing through effective Net Zero strategies.
Production, testing and training is also underway on our Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) where a new battery-electrolyser is being installed, with plans to couple this to a solar PV array to generate Green Hydrogen.
So, what are the benefits of hydrogen fuel for communities? Find out below
GREEN HYDROGEN FOR CLEAN COOKING.
Benefitting communities and the planet.
Using excess solar and wind energy to produce green hydrogen can bring significant economic, environmental and societal benefits to developing countries.
More than 1.1 billion people in Africa are unlikely to have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies by 2050, leading to poor household air quality caused by fuels - such as wood, charcoal and kerosene.
The race is on to replace finite fossil fuels used for cooking with cleaner renewable energy resources.
We believe that hydrogen could provide a CLEANER, HEALTHIER, GREENER way forward. We are advancing green hydrogen production using renewable energy, providing
a cleaner alternative to the
95% OF HYDROGEN
still generated from fossil fuels.
The world's first lead-acid battery-electrolyser produced at the University is a low-cost, innovative system which uses excess renewable energy for hydrogen generation.
“The integrated battery-electrolyser technology reduces the costs of renewable energy storage and green hydrogen production, delivering energy to communities lacking electricity or clean cooking fuel.”
Dr Lizzie Ashton
Senior Research associate in chemistry
Our solar and battery-electrolyser technology provides clean energy, supporting education and job creation in rural areas, while enabling cold storage which ensures access to safe and effective vaccines, medicines and nutritious food.
This will help safeguard communities, particularly the women and children who do most of the cooking. The commonly used cooking fuel is wood which releases harmful – potentially fatal – pollutants when burnt. With hydrogen as a greener alternative, the only waste product is water.
The battery electroliser team, led by by academics Jonathan Wilson and Dani Strickland have recently been awarded the prestigious Stewart Dow Memorial Award for excellence in hydrogen and fuel cell innovation. Dr John Barton received the prize for the team’s innovative work in transforming the traditional lead-acid battery into a scalable and cost-effective solution, ensuring people across the globe has access to clean and safe cooking.
SUSTAINABLE VEHICLES FOR THE FUTURE.
Empowering the work force with hydrogen.
Our strategic collaboration with Caterpillar, established more than 25 years ago, is advancing new technologies for off-highway powertrains in pursuit of a low-carbon future.
“Loughborough and Caterpillar are committed to accelerating solutions for a more sustainable future and enabling an inclusive and diverse workforce.”
Adrian Spencer
Professor of Thermo Fluid Dynamics at Loughborough University
Our collaboration with Perkins Engines and Equipmake, Project Coeus, is developing an integrated power system for off-highway applications that uses hydrogen and hybrid technologies, supporting the use of lower-carbon fuels.
These collaborations specifically target systems used in vehicles like tractors and construction equipment that operate off public roads, paving the way for a greener future.
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero (EnerHy CDT) is also playing a vital role in developing the skilled workforce needed to enable rapid growth in green hydrogen-related technology.
"To grow hydrogen technology for net zero, we must tackle challenges in affordability, supply chains, scalability, new technologies, and social acceptance. EnerHy CDT builds on research from Loughborough, Cranfield and Strathclyde to tackle these issues, together.”
Professor Dani Strickland
Professor of Electrical Power Engineering
CAN AVIATION BE SUSTAINABLE?
Zero-carbon flight.
We’re helping the aerospace industry to develop innovative technologies – including low-emission gas turbine engines – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet future net zero targets and ensure sustainable growth by using hydrogen fuel.
Working in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, our mission is to provide advances in understanding and design capability in the field of Combustion Aerothermal Technologies.
“In conjunction with its partners, Loughborough’s National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology is working to improve efficiency and sustainability in aviation. This is a major advance towards our Net Zero targets.”
Professor Jon Carrotte
Director – National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology
Along with Rolls-Royce who have partnered with easyJet, we are looking to lead the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology, capable of powering a range of aircraft for a more sustainable future at our National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT).
Harnessing the power of green hydrogen is invaluable for a sustainable future.
We continue to lead pioneering research and innovation in green hydrogen to power a cleaner, safer world.
BECAUSE THE WORLD CAN'T WAIT.
NEITHER SHOULD YOU.
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