GW-SHIFT Sprint Projects – Announcement of Funded Projects
Hydrogen innovation is advancing at pace, and GW-SHIFT is proud to support cutting-edge research that will help shape the future of sustainable energy. Through our Sprint Project funding, we are enabling researchers to develop and test novel hydrogen technologies that have real-world impact. These short-term, high-impact projects are designed to accelerate progress, strengthen industry-academic collaboration, and contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
GW-SHIFT is pleased to announce the successful projects funded through our latest Sprint Project call. These projects, led by researchers from top UK institutions, aim to advance hydrogen technologies and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future. The selected projects span a range of innovative approaches, from hydrogen storage solutions to techno-economic evaluations, all contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
SPRINT Round 1
Metal hydride nanoparticles immobilised in recycled battery carbonaceous materials for hydrogen storage
University of South Wales
Academics: Dr Rosenildo C. Da Costa, Professor Gareth Owen
External Partner: Dragon Recycling Solutions Ltd
This project explores the reuse of carbonaceous materials from spent batteries for hydrogen storage. These otherwise discarded materials will be recovered, purified, and used as a support medium for metal hydrides. The work has dual environmental and industrial value: reducing waste, mitigating fire risks from stored materials, and creating skilled employment opportunities in the South Wales Valleys.
Project end date: 30 June 2025
Application of LaNi storage beds for vehicular applications
University of Bristol
Academics: Dr Jacek Wasik, Prof. Tom Scott, Dr Antonios Banos
External Partner: Hydrogen Future Industries
This project investigates the integration of LaNi₅-based hydrogen storage beds into vehicles, including trial deployment in a Toyota Mirai. The aim is to assess real-world feasibility and performance improvements, with potential for faster refuelling, greater range, and enhanced hydrogen storage for automotive use.
Project end date: 14 May 2025
Techno-economic evaluation of hydrogen use via ammonia for decarbonising industry in Wales
Cardiff University
Academics: Dr Marco Aurelio Jano Ito, Dr Agustín Valera Medina
External Partners: CCR Energy, CR Plus, CELSA Group, Wales & West Utilities
This project examines how ammonia could be used as a hydrogen carrier for industrial decarbonisation. It focuses on production, transport, storage, and cracking infrastructure at the Port of Cardiff, with downstream use in CELSA Steelworks. The work aims to stimulate green economic growth and regional employment through hydrogen supply chain development.
Project end date: 20 January 2025
PHASE – Portable Hydrogen Accessibility Storage Equipment
Swansea University
Academic: Dr James Courtney
External Partner: Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions
This project is developing a prototype portable hydrogen storage unit for use across a range of applications – from buses and community transport schemes to portable power tools. The work responds to challenges identified during regional hydrogen vehicle trials, particularly in Swansea Bay, around tank size, weight, and deployment.
Project end date: 1 March 2025
SPRINT Round 2
Hydrogen Boat Centre: Proof of Principle & Market Validation
University of Exeter
Academics: Dr Miguel Robayo, Prof. Justin Hinshelwood
External Partner: Pure Energy Professionals Ltd
This project is enabling early-stage commercial development of the Hydrogen Boat Centre, providing technical training, safety procedures, and the foundation for wider industry engagement in maritime decarbonisation.
Project end date: October 2025
Technoeconomic analysis of electric x hydrogen x e-methanol shipping vessel refuelling system
University of Exeter
Academics: Dr David Trudgeon, Prof. Xiaohong Li
External Partner: HydroStar Europe Ltd
This project explores a flexible shipping fuel system combining electricity, hydrogen, and e-methanol. Through techno-economic assessment, it will examine the viability and environmental benefits of multiple clean fuel options for maritime use.
Project end date: 31 December 2025
Hydrogen-based micro-grid energy system modelling
University of Plymouth
Academics: Prof. Deborah Greaves, Robert Rawlinson-Smith
External Partner: Ministry of Defence
This work will develop a modelling tool to simulate hydrogen-based micro-grids for off-grid energy solutions. It enables scenario testing to optimise system design and component sizing, supporting MOD and regional efforts to deploy hydrogen in energy-resilient settings.
Project end date: 31 December 2025
Development of testing protocols for critical catalyst materials for green hydrogen production
University of Exeter
Academics: Dr Zhenyu Zhang, Prof. Xiaohong Li
External Partner: Johnson Matthey
This project will develop and benchmark testing protocols for key catalysts used in hydrogen electrolysers, bridging academic research and industrial application. Outcomes will support the selection of high-performance, stable materials for large-scale green hydrogen production.
Project end date: 30 September 2025
HyRing – Hydrogen powered blacksmithing forge
Swansea University
Academic: Dr James Courtney
External Partner: DAR Designs Ltd
Targeting a highly engaged and practical craft sector, this project will produce a prototype hydrogen-powered forge for blacksmithing. With potential applications in wider manufacturing, it showcases an innovative use of hydrogen where high heat and net-zero goals intersect.
Project end date: 16 December 2025
Hydrogen opportunity mapping in the South West
University of Plymouth
Academics: Prof. Deborah Greaves, Robert Rawlinson-Smith
External Partner: Arcadis LLP
This project uses GIS tools to map existing and potential hydrogen supply and demand across the region. It will provide strategic insights into renewable energy potential, industrial demand clusters, and infrastructure readiness, helping guide regional planning for hydrogen rollout.
Project end date: 31 October 2025
Free-surface control of sloshing in cryogenic fuel tanks
University of Plymouth
Academics: Dr Yeaw Chu Lee, Mr Stuart Colville
External Partner: Airbus
This aerospace-focused project investigates cryogenic sloshing dynamics in hydrogen tanks for hybrid aircraft. Experimental work will help control oscillation behaviour and support next-generation liquid hydrogen storage systems for aviation and maritime sectors.
Project end date: 31 December 2025
Application of Theoretical Models to Gas Turbine Engine Design Methodologies
University of Bath
Academics: Dr Hui Tang, Dr James Scobie, Prof. Gary Lock
External Partner: Siemens Energy Industrial Turbomachinery Ltd
This project applies advanced heat transfer models to the practical design of hydrogen-compatible gas turbines. The work supports Siemens Energy's target of 100% hydrogen-capable turbines by 2030, bridging low TRL research with engineering application.
Project end date: 9 August 2025
These sprint projects demonstrate the UK’s commitment to hydrogen innovation, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and civic partners. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects as they contribute to the UK’s hydrogen economy.