Hydrogen as a Fuel for Industry: Technical and Safety Challenges
Luke Butcher, ESR Technology, UK

Hydrogen offers significant potential for decarbonising industrial sites, but its adoption presents important technical and safety challenges. This DESNZ‑funded study provides an early-stage assessment of the implications of replacing natural gas with hydrogen across seven diverse industrial sites. It examines the infrastructure and equipment modifications required and the common safety challenges introduced by hydrogen’s unique properties. 

Environmental and Safety Risks and Trade-offs Associated with the Transport Options for Hydrogen and Selected Derivatives
Malek El Tahech, Genesis Energies, UK

Hydrogen is expected to play a central role in the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors, yet its large-scale deployment depends critically on transporting it safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally acceptable manner from production sites to end users. The following study aims to investigate how to appropriately develop and apply a holistic framework to hydrogen and its principal derivatives across selected transport modes.  Insights from engineering and design consulting specialists are incorporated to align the analysis with typical and best industry practice, and the framework is designed to support project developers making transport pathway decisions before detailed design data is available.

Chlor-Alkali Experience: Enabling Scalable Green Hydrogen Production
Felipe Santos, Ineos Electrochemical Solutions, UK

Hydrogen deployment is increasingly constrained not by technology readiness but by challenges in delivery, cost, and system integration. This presentation shows how these barriers can be addressed using proven electrochemical engineering practices from the chlor‑alkali industry. Drawing on experience with multi‑MW systems, including modular 25 MW alkaline electrolysers and large‑scale project execution, it highlights key lessons in scale‑up, safety‑by‑design, and plant integration. Emphasis is placed on low‑pressure operation, modularisation, and lifecycle performance. The work demonstrates that hydrogen scale‑up depends on disciplined engineering, standardisation, and robust project execution rather than purely technological innovation.

Ramping Up of Green Ammonia Production
Sharouq Al Hinai, ABO Energy, Germany

This research evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of producing flexible green ammonia using an intermittent renewable energy supply. The project focuses on large-scale plants (200–600 MW) and analyses the impact of operational flexibility on system performance and cost. The limitations of the conventional Haber–Bosch synthesis process are examined, as are flexible operating strategies such as partial-load operation and rapid ramping. The research focuses on estimating the levelised cost of ammonia (LCOA) and identifying optimal configurations that improve economic viability, responsiveness, and reduce reliance on costly storage solutions.

Hydrogen Supply Chain from Botlek to Crawley Metrobus
Bihzad Faryabi, Air Products, UK

This presentation will outline Air Products’ renewable hydrogen supply chain from Botlek, Rotterdam, to Metrobus in Crawley, demonstrating one of the first cross-border RFNBO hydrogen mobility applications linking hydrogen production in mainland Europe with zero-emission public transport operations in the UK. It explains the role of Botlek’s liquefaction infrastructure, liquid hydrogen transport logistics, UK refuelling and bus operations, and the importance of RTFO certification and compliance systems. The project shows that international renewable hydrogen supply chains are already technically feasible and highlights the strategic, regulatory, and commercial lessons needed to support wider hydrogen deployment in UK transport.

Hydrogen in the Gas Transmission Network. Can it be Done Safely?
Gemma Simpson, SGN, UK

The LTS Futures project was set up to research the capability of the existing natural gas Local Transmission System (LTS) to convey hydrogen. Through a live trial delivered in summer 2025 the project successfully repurposed and uprated 30 km of local transmission pipeline and demonstrated critical operational activities, including welding to make new connections and flow stopping to facilitate repairs, can be safely conducted on a live hydrogen pipeline.  The methodology used to repurpose the live trial pipeline and learnings from the research program have informed a blueprint which will provide guidelines on assessing the network suitability for future repurposing.

Separation Distances for Hydrogen Installations: How can the New Energy Institute Guidance Help Your Project
Karina Almeida Lenero, Gexcon, UK

This paper presents the new Energy Institute guidance and calculation tool, developed by Gexcon, for determining on-site and off-site separation distances for gaseous and liquid hydrogen installations. Intended for early project stages, the guidance supports key siting and layout decisions using limited design data, providing both consequence-based and risk-informed separation distances. It addresses flash fire, jet fire and crucially also explosion hazards, which are not covered in existing guidance. This contribution will outline the underlying methodology, key assumptions and application through a representative case study.

Hydrogen Detection and Measurement at Distance Using Raman
David Stothard, Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, UK

Hydrogen is well-known for escaping containment and is particularly buoyant and dispersive. Detection of hydrogen leaks is challenging as normally detectors must be in the plume of a leak. Optical stand-off capability enables a centrally located instrument to “reach out” across over substantial distances and detect such leaks remotely over large operational areas. We demonstrate a laser-based optical scanning technique exploiting the wavelength shift in light scattering from hydrogen, called the Raman effect, to image leaking hydrogen from a distance. Combining Raman with LIDAR means hydrogen can be located along with its concentration, allowing plumes to be rendered in 3-D.

Solving the Hydrogen Storage Challenge with Nobel Prize-winning Science
Neel Sirosh, H2MOF, USA

Hydrogen is key to the clean energy transition, but practical, efficient, and safe hydrogen storage remains a major barrier to widespread adoption. In this talk, Dr. Neel Sirosh, CTO at H2MOF, presents a transformative hydrogen storage technology based on nano-engineered reticular materials - specifically metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), for whose discovery Prof. Yaghi, H2MOF co-founder, was awarded the Chemistry Nobel Prize 2025. These materials enable solid-state hydrogen storage at low pressure and near-ambient temperature, improving safety and efficiency while lowering costs. The presentation explores recent advances, real-world applications such as UAVs, and the pathway to scaling this technology for impactful decarbonisation.

The Integrated Design of Import Terminals in the Low-Carbon Hydrogen Value Chain
Hassan Al Halwachi, Arup, UK

The shipping of low-carbon hydrogen, in liquified form or tied to a hydrogen carrier, supports global decarbonisation efforts by allowing low carbon energy to move at scale across continents. This presentation discusses the integrated design of import terminals for liquid hydrogen and ammonia, in addition to liquid CO₂ that may be imported for e-methanol production or carbon sequestration. Drawing on project experience, it discusses key design considerations and pitfalls and shows how early decisions and assumptions could dictate design progression. It calls for chemical engineers to bring their unique perspectives into projects to deliver robust infrastructure for the energy transition.

Investability of Hydrogen Networks
Elizaveta Kovaleva, Oxera Consulting LLP, UK

This presentation explores how to support investability of hydrogen transport and storage networks, focusing on regulatory mechanisms, as well as both new and repurposed assets. It examines the benefits and limitations of RAB regulation in the face of construction risks and low early demand, and compares emerging UK policy with international precedent.

Enabling Hydrogen Deployment Through Environmental Regulation: Bridging Standards, Guidance and Innovation in the UK
Paula Blanco Sanchez, Environment Agency, UK

Paula explores how environmental regulation can enable hydrogen deployment while protecting the environment and public health. Focusing on the UK Environment Agency’s approach, it highlights the role of environmental permitting, Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Guidance for Emerging Techniques (GET) in bridging innovation and formal standards. Drawing on practical experience from developing regulatory guidance and engaging with stakeholders across government, industry and academia, the presentation will highlight how regulation can act as an enabler of hydrogen developments.

Mitigating Intermittency: Practical Strategies for Renewable Powered Ammonia Production in Off-grid Environments
Nigel Curson, Penspen, UK

This paper presents a practical decision framework for designing off-grid green ammonia facilities powered by renewable electricity. Using hourly time-series optimisation, it evaluates how solar, wind, electrolysers, batteries, hydrogen storage and flexible Haber-Bosch synthesis interact to affect plant utilisation, storage needs and production cost. The analysis highlights the benefits of hybrid renewable generation, strategic oversizing and balanced battery and hydrogen storage, while addressing key implementation issues including electrolyser cycling, water supply, ammonia logistics, safety and carbon intensity certification.

Toward Intelligent and Resilient Green Hydrogen Production: Integrating AI and Advanced Control Systems for Optimised Electrolyser Performance
Hamza Er-rebyiy, National School of Applied Sciences of El Jadida (ENSAJ), Morocco

This presentation proposes an intelligent control framework for green hydrogen production, integrating AI and machine learning with electrolyzer systems to address the challenges of variable renewable energy inputs. The approach combines real-time optimization, predictive maintenance, and smart grid integration to improve efficiency, extend stack lifetime, and reduce the levelized cost of hydrogen. Simulation and pilot-scale results confirm significant performance gains over conventional control strategies. The framework is applicable across PEM, alkaline, and solid oxide technologies, offering a scalable and replicable methodology for industrial deployment of resilient green hydrogen production systems.

Advancing Solid Oxide Steam Electrolysis for Clean Hydrogen Production: Insights from the METASIS Project
Nadimul Faisal, Robert Gordon University, UK

This presentation highlights advances in solid oxide steam electrolysis (SOSE) from the EPSRC-funded METASIS project, focusing on efficient, low-carbon hydrogen production. It introduces a novel tubular cell design that improves durability, scalability, and thermal performance compared with conventional systems. Combining advanced materials, modelling, and high-temperature testing, the work demonstrates enhanced electrochemical performance and pathways toward pre-commercial deployment. The integration of SOSE with nuclear and renewable heat sources is also explored, enabling sector coupling and co-generation of hydrogen and electricity. The findings provide valuable insights into next-generation electrolysis technologies supporting the UK’s Net Zero Hydrogen Strategy.

Blue Hydrogen: LCA Insights and Regional Policy Review
Zoe Rozario, Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies, UK

Low-carbon hydrogen is central to energy decarbonisation, yet its carbon intensity depends on full life-cycle emissions rather than its immediate production technology. This paper evaluates Blue hydrogen pathways (SMR, ATR, GHR-ATR with CCS) using life cycle assessment (LCA), highlighting that capture rates alone are insufficient to ensure compliance with sustainability targets. Results show that system boundaries, upstream natural gas emissions, electricity sources, and co-product allocation strongly influence outcomes. The study demonstrates that robust cradle-to-gate LCA is essential for objective evaluation, and that technology selection, supply chain choices and evolving policy frameworks impact the future of Blue Hydrogen decarbonisation potential.

Innovative Roles for Hydrogen in Dispatchable Power and Grid Balancing
Ryan Davies, Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies, UK

Power systems are becoming more variable due to growing renewable generation and shifting demand patterns by rising data centre demand, increasing the need for flexible, dispatchable solutions for grid and local private user stabilisation. Meanwhile, significant volumes of renewable energy are curtailed due to grid and storage constraints. JM Davy Technologys concept addresses this through integrated co-production of power and chemicals. Low carbon hydrogen is stored as liquid product during surplus and reconverted to electricity during peaks. This enhances stability, reduces curtailment, supports data centre power demand and enables efficient, resilient low carbon energy systems without long-term infrastructure investment requirements. 

Rubbish to Refuelling: Low to Negative-carbon H2
Muneeb Nawaz, Sustainable Molecules, UK

Electrolytic “green” hydrogen is the best-known low-carbon route. Advanced conversion technology, via advanced gasification of waste and biomass, complements it, addressing the energy trilemma of affordability, sustainability and security through local, residual feedstocks. It is anchored by a commercial-scale advanced gasification plant proven in live operation, converting waste and biomass to tar-free, hydrogen-rich syngas – the hardest-to-de-risk step. We present a FEL-2 study upgrading this plant from CHP to a world-first integration with hydrogen production and CCUS, using innovative integration. SuMo will share real operational data, lessons learnt, and a candid view of reaching deployable, bankable technology

Lessons Learned from Designing a Bulk Ammonia Export Terminal for Low-carbon Hydrogen Distribution
Umair Baig, Wood, UK

This export terminal design provides a replicable template for bulk ammonia infrastructure to support the growing low-carbon hydrogen trade. The study shares key lessons on storage tank selection, vapor management, layout optimization, and marine interface design to enable safe, efficient and economical ammonia distribution, a critical enabler for the hydrogen economy.

Exolum's Immingham LOHC Demonstration
Henry Story, Exolum, UK

Exolum's Immingham LOHC project demonstrated that existing fuel logistics infrastructure can be used to store and transport hydrogen at a commercial scale. Exolum will present its project, the implications for the hydrogen sector, and how LOHCs could be used as a hydrogen vector around the UK in the future.

Programmable Joule-heated Reactors for Low-Pressure Ammonia Synthesis: A Thermal Modelling Framework for Switching Protocol Optimisation
Ragad Aldilaijan, Univeristy of Oxford, UK

Ammonia production via Haber-Bosch is energy and carbon intensive, motivating interest in electrified alternatives. Joule heating converts renewable electricity into localised heat on conductive catalyst supports, but systematic guidance on optimal switching protocol design is lacking. This work presents a validated thermal model for pulsed Joule-heated ammonia synthesis reactors under arbitrary switching waveforms. A grid sweep across 108 conditions maps the thermal efficiency surface and identifies the substrate thermal time constant as the key design parameter governing optimal switching. Sensitivity analyses confirm robustness to material uncertainties, providing a practical framework for renewable-integrated reactor design.

Lifecycle Environmental Impacts of Low-carbon Gaseous Fuel Supply Chains from Technological, Geospatial and Temporal Perspectives
Sylvanus Lilonfe, University of Nottingham, UK

Achieving net-zero emissions will require low-carbon hydrogen (H2) and its derivatives, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. However, there are experiences of international H2 trade globally and many existing assessments of H2 pathways rely on static assumptions. The work assesses the life cycle environmental impacts of H2-based supply chains from technological, geospatial and temporal perspectives. It presents key insights drawn from over 10,000 H2-based supply chain cases, analysing the supply of H2 and synthetic natural gas from global locations and their transportation via different modes to Europe, using six different chemical forms, including compressed-H2, liquefied-H2, synthetic natural gas, methylcyclohexane, ammonia and methanol.

Linking Cell-level Physics to Stack Performance: A Multi-scale Modelling Framework for Ceres Endura™ Technology
Robert Leah, Ceres Power, UK

Ceres Power develops solid oxide cell (SOC) technology for high-efficiency power generation and green hydrogen production via steam electrolysis. This work presents a physics-based modelling framework enhanced with machine-learning surrogate models to predict SOC stack and system performance across a wide operating envelope. The approach combines experimental data with high-fidelity simulations to overcome limitations of traditional Area Specific Resistance (ASR)-based methods and improve transferability across operating conditions and designs. Demonstrated for pressurised electrolysis, the framework enables rapid performance prediction and provides a scalable platform for lifetime and performance modelling, accelerating deployment of SOC-based hydrogen systems.

Large-scale Tests Addressing Hazards Associated with Storage and Releases of Liquid Hydrogen
Adam Baxter, Vysus Group, UK

An overview of two large-scale tests performed on storage and releases of liquid hydrogen will be given. The first one involved engulfing a liquid hydrogen vessel with fire to create the conditions for a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE). The second involved releases of liquified hydrogen onto water aimed at simulating an accidental release of liquified hydrogen during the fueling of a ship to obtain Rapid Phase Transition (RPTs). The results show that a BLEVE-like phenomena is possible with LH2. Similarly, the observed RPTs were not as severe as those with LNG.

Retrofitting Industrial Boilers for Hydrogen Firing: Brownfield Integration Challenges and Lessons for Industrial Decarbonisation
Asima Anjum, Jacobs, UK

This paper presents a brownfield case study on integrating electrolytic hydrogen production (~200 MWe) to enable hydrogen firing in existing industrial boilers. While hydrogen offers a route to reduce CO₂ emissions, the study highlights that the main challenges lie in system integration rather than production technology. Key issues include modifications to fuel systems, grid capacity constraints, utilities demand and combustion impacts such as increased NOx. The work provides practical lessons from implementation and outlines a structured approach to support engineers planning hydrogen retrofit projects in existing industrial facilities.

Hydrogen Aviation Infrastructure in Europe: A Life Cycle Assessment of Short-Haul Airport Systems
Alex Newman, University of Sheffield, UK

This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of hydrogen aviation infrastructure across the EU27 and UK, focusing on short-haul airport operations and comparison with conventional kerosene systems. The assessment evaluates greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen production, distribution, cryogenic storage, and airport fuelling infrastructure using a functional unit of 1 MJ fuel supplied at the aircraft tank at usable conditions. Preliminary findings indicate that hydrogen production pathway selection dominates climate performance, while storage, liquefaction, and distribution infrastructure contribute significantly under low-carbon hydrogen deployment scenarios.

Wet-gas Versus Dry-gas Regenerative Heat Recovery in TSA Hydrogen Dryers for Green Hydrogen Service: A Combined Techno-economic and Operability Study
Navid Jalali, Howe Baker International, UK

In green hydrogen production, molecular-sieve dryers downstream of DeOxo reactors use significant regeneration energy. This study compares wet-gas and dry-gas regeneration for recovering DeOxo exotherm heat under variable renewable electrolyser conditions. A coupled model shows wet-gas regeneration is cheaper and more flexible than dry-gas. For a 20 MW plant, it saves roughly £29,000–£34,000 annually despite lower sieve capacity. Sizing hardware for peak oxygen concentration is the key design choice. It cuts costs substantially and prevents dry-gas turndown issues at low oxygen levels, especially for PEM electrolysers.

How RAM Transforms Complex, High‑risk Hydrogen Developments into Reliable, Operable and Economically Viable Facilities
Emily Bridge, KBR, UK

This paper demonstrates how RAM analysis helps identify and address key risks affecting the availability of large-scale green hydrogen facilities. It highlights the benefits of early insight into critical issues such as electrolyser uncertainty, sensitivity to fluctuating renewable power inputs, and compounded equipment failure related downtime.

By guiding decisions on equipment configuration, sparing strategies, and maintenance planning, RAM enables improved reliability, reduced downtime, and better operational understanding. It also supports more informed design and vendor engagement, ultimately increasing confidence in achieving availability targets and ensuring the technical and economic viability of green hydrogen projects.

Modularisation of Blue Hydrogen to Support Clients with Chemical Synthesis
Keigh Taylor, Black & Veatch, USA

Black & Veatch and Johnson Matthey completed a pre‑FEED study for a modular, low‑carbon (blue) hydrogen production facility designed to improve cost and schedule certainty in a constrained global construction market. The study outlines a 450 MTPD facility incorporating Johnson Matthey’s low carbon (blue) hydrogen technology, along with typical utilities and outside battery limit systems to support downstream chemical and fuel synthesis, such as ammonia, methanol, methane, and other sustainable fuels. The work emphasises modularisation strategy, constructability, safety, and plot space optimisation, providing a scalable framework for future sustainable hydrogen and chemical projects.

H2ACT® Ammonia Cracking Technology by KBR: Empowering Sustainable Hydrogen Supply
Tuan Hoang, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions, UK

This paper discusses the growing role of clean hydrogen and ammonia in enabling a low-carbon energy future. It highlights the importance of ammonia cracking in bridging supply and demand by delivering hydrogen to end-use locations. The paper presents KBR’s H2ACT® technology as a scalable, low-risk solution for large-scale hydrogen production, with capacities up to 1,200 MTPD. Leveraging extensive industry experience, the H2ACT® process incorporates fuel flexibility, rapid ramping, and Hot Standby capability. The paper emphasises key H2ACT® design and operational features that enable reliable, safe, and sustainable hydrogen production.

HyDUS Demonstrator Plant: Building an End-to-end Hydrogen Storage Prototype Using Depleted Uranium Beds
Claire Oakley, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), UK

Through the HyDUS programme, UKAEA has constructed a demonstrator plant to validate the use of uranium hydride as an alternative for long term hydrogen storage at low pressures and ambient conditions. The demonstrator plant contains hydrogen generation in the form of an electrolyser, hydrogen storage in depleted uranium beds, a hydrogen compression system and a fuel to generate electricity.

AI-enabled Techno-economic Analysis of Water Electrolysis for H₂ Production
Yangyimin Xue, Swansea University, UK

This study develops an AI-enabled techno-economic assessment framework for hydrogen production via water electrolysis, integrating bottom-up cost modelling, natural language processing (NLP)-based literature extraction, dynamic trend projection, and Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis. Unlike conventional TEAs that rely on static assumptions, the framework evaluates the evolution of key cost drivers. NLP-derived datasets were used to model future trajectories of renewable electricity prices, electrolyser durability, and component costs. Results indicate that as electricity costs decline, stack lifetime and replacement frequency become increasingly important determinants of hydrogen production costs, highlighting durability as a critical priority for future technology development and policy support.

In-situ Mechanical Testing of Materials for the Repurposing of Gas Network Assets for Hydrogen Service
Andy Fox, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK

This submission presents the early and ongoing stages of research that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is conducting to characterise the performance of materials found in the UK’s gas network, for use in the transportation of gaseous hydrogen.

This work uses an innovative approach to in-situ gaseous hydrogen testing, using micro tensile testers to conduct slow strain rate and S-N fatigue testing, inside a pressurised hydrogen chambers, focussing on long term testing. Wedge opening load (WOL) specimens will also be used to determine the loss of fracture toughness in network materials over years in gaseous hydrogen.

Power-to-X Export Hubs: Planning and Design for Renewable Fuel Infrastructure
Henry Williams, Arup, UK

Power-to-X export hubs are emerging as key enablers of low carbon energy systems, converting renewable electricity into transportable fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. Drawing on Arup’s whitepaper, this presentation outlines their role in decarbonising hard to abate sectors and reshaping global energy trade. It examines two hub typologies, highlighting technical integration, costs and development challenges. Wider considerations such as safety, policy and logistics risks will be explored. The presentation will draw on recent project experiences to identify key success factors across design, planning, policy and secure offtake, which enable Power-to-X hubs fulfil their future energy system role.

Developing a Unified Scaling Framework for Hydrogen Leak Dispersion and Jet Fires
Swagata Dutta, National Research Council of Canada, Canada

This study presents a CFD-based investigation of hydrogen pipeline leak dispersion and jet fire behavior using FLACS. A parametric analysis is conducted across orifice diameters (0.2–5 mm), pressures (10–200 bar), ventilation conditions, and hydrogen–natural gas blends, to quantify their influence on flammable cloud formation and thermal hazards. Results are benchmarked against established correlations for flame length and dispersion behavior. The novelty lies in developing a unified, pressure–diameter scaling framework that enables consistent comparison of leak scenarios across wide operating conditions, improving confidence in hydrogen safety assessments and CFD-based risk analysis.

Benchmarking Hydrogen Leak Quantification Technologies Under Controlled Releases: Implications for Safety‑Critical Infrastructure
Federico Noris, Intero, Belgium

Hydrogen leak detection and emissions quantification are becoming safety‑critical requirements for emerging hydrogen infrastructure, yet independent comparative evidence remains limited. This contribution draws on a controlled‑release benchmarking study, where multiple hydrogen quantification technologies were evaluated under known release rates across representative components. The results reveal significant performance differences between measurement approaches. High Flow Samplers demonstrated the highest quantitative consistency and lowest error, closely tracking generated emissions, while imaging‑based methods showed greater dispersion. The findings highlight the importance of controlled benchmarking when selecting monitoring technologies suitable for safety‑by‑design and regulatory acceptance in real‑world hydrogen systems.

Energy and Techno-economic Assessment of CO₂-to-methanol Conversion with Waste Heat Recovery for District Heating
Ramin Ghiami Sardroud, Technical University Leoben, Austria

To transition the energy and industrial sectors toward net-zero emissions and decarbonization targets, significant effort is devoted to identifying technological pathways to not only reduce emissions but also enhance system energy efficiency. To do this, CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) can be part of the solution. In the CCU, not only are the emissions reduced, but also a value-added product is produced, which is methanol in this study. This study applies energy and techno-economic analyses to an indirect co-electrolysis pathway for the CCU method. Moreover, this study identifies the effects of integrating the proposed CCU pathway into the district heating.

A Boiler Conversion Feasibility Study – Does Hydrogen Success Depend on Where We Start From?
Malcolm Toft, Cavendish Integrity Services, UK

We present process, mechanical and materials analysis in support of a feasibility study for converting an industrial boiler from natural gas to hydrogen, and draw conclusions for areas requiring investigation, how such feasibilities can be judged to be a “good bet” or not, and make comparison with existing experience from asset life extension studies and the uptake of new technology elsewhere in engineering.

Linking Pore Geometry to H₂ Phase Behaviour and Dynamics in Nanoporous Carbons Approaching Non-cryogenic Temperatures
George Neville, University of Bath, UK

Liquid hydrogen is expected to play a major role in the decarbonisation of aviation and other hard-to-abate sectors, but safe and efficient hydrogen management remains a challenge. This work explores hydrogen physisorption in nanoporous carbons as a route towards passive hydrogen storage, sensing and fugitive gas capture at non-cryogenic temperatures (120 –150 K). Using a combination of high-pressure adsorption measurements and neutron scattering techniques, we investigate the behaviour of dense hydrogen confined within single-walled carbon nanotubes. The findings provide insight into how pore size and geometry influence hydrogen density and dynamics, informing the design of materials for future hydrogen infrastructure.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen Import Pathways to the UK: Evaluating Energy Carriers, Process Engineering Hotspots, and Transboundary Environmental Impacts
Anushka Devaser, WSP, UK

This study for DESNZ evaluates the environmental impacts of importing hydrogen into the UK via liquid hydrogen, methanol, and LOHC. By prioritising process engineering simulations over generic factors, the model identifies critical "hotspots" and highlights a significant "burden-shifting" effect. While production impacts often occur abroad, mapping the full export-to-import route reveals concentrated environmental detriments, particularly PM2.5 emissions, within the UK during reception and processing. These findings provide a vital evidence base for policy, ensuring the transition to Net Zero accounts for transboundary pollution and the technical trade-offs of different chemical energy carriers.