Groundbreaking Exeter H2 Hub To Spearhead Hydrogen Sector Growth In South West.
In an ambitious move to fuel the growth of the South West’s hydrogen sector, a consortium led by the South West-based hydrogen developer, Tower Group, has announced plans to launch the Exeter H2 Hub. Slated for completion by 2026, this pioneering 5 MW pilot plant, equipped with mobile refuelling capability, is positioned in East Devon and aims to be a cornerstone in the UK’s journey towards net-zero emissions.
The Exeter H2 Hub is set to provide a crucial supply of hydrogen to fuel cell electric vehicles, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation. Among the primary beneficiaries will be Wales & West Utilities along with other utilities companies and local councils, signaling a broader shift towards eco-friendly vehicle options across various sectors.
Furthermore, the facility is not limited to corporate use; it will also welcome third parties, including the general public and private entities, thereby nurturing the hydrogen economy’s growth within the region.
This initiative is more than a refuelling station; it’s a testbed for exploring how low-carbon hydrogen can revolutionise industry decarbonisation locally. By demonstrating hydrogen’s potential in transportation, the consortium anticipates a surge in hydrogen production and a robust supply chain catering to both retail and direct offtake demands in the South West.
The consortium, under Tower Group’s leadership, comprises a blend of expertise from Wales & West Utilities, Element 2, the University of Exeter’s Centre for Future Clean Mobility, EMotive, Oort Energy, Costain, and Gardiner & Theobald. Their collective vision is supported by a call for government backing to transform hydrogen refuelling from concept to reality for the region.
Alex King, CEO of Tower Group, emphasised the critical need for further investment in hydrogen infrastructure to achieve the UK’s net zero targets and stimulate regional economic growth. Echoing this sentiment, Andrew Hagan of Element 2 highlighted the consortium’s effort to expand the hydrogen refuelling network, contributing to cleaner energy and air quality improvements from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Wales & West Utilities, maintaining a sizable fleet that could transition to hydrogen to meet net zero targets, views the hub as a vital step towards deploying hydrogen-fuelled vans. This move aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainable fleet management and operational efficiency.
Contributions from consortium members like Oort Energy, which specialises in the manufacture of PEM Electrolysers, underscore the technological innovation driving the project. Dr. Nick Van Dijk of Oort Energy lauded the H2 Hub’s role in advancing the UK’s Net Zero objectives with cost-effective and efficient hydrogen production solutions.
The collaboration extends to clean mobility strategies, with the Centre for Future Clean Mobility at the University of Exeter and EMotive exploring optimal approaches for clean vehicle development and retrofitting existing fleets for hydrogen use. This holistic approach ensures the region’s leadership in clean mobility, fostering economic opportunities and job creation.
As the Exeter H2 Hub moves from planning to execution, its impact is poised to resonate beyond East Devon, setting a precedent for sustainable industry practices and green hydrogen utilisation across the UK and potentially inspiring similar initiatives globally.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Groundbreaking Exeter H2 Hub To Spearhead Hydrogen Sector Growth In South West. source