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THE North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) has announced a batch of new members following the success of Hydrogen Week 2024.

The University of Manchester and consulting firms Tetra Tech and Net Zero Energy Systems are the latest hydrogen producers to join the NWHA’s growing membership; which now sits at over 40 members.

The news comes on the back of the UK’s 2nd Hydrogen Week, which ran from:- 26 February to 3rd March 2024, was a week long initiative spearheaded by the NWHA which saw thousands of individuals and companies celebrate and promote the role of hydrogen in reaching net zero. Sponsored by:- BP, Cadent Gas Limited, HyNet, Northern Valve and Fitting Company Limited, and SSE plc the week saw events taking place from the Scottish Highlands to Bristol. From conferences, school workshops, and skills academies to blogs, podcasts, and roadshows, the UK was alive with hydrogen activity.

The hydrogen clusters across the UK came together in a webinar hosted by the NWHA to discuss ongoing plans for leveraging the hydrogen opportunity with a clear message that regions need to collaborate to deliver a world leading hydrogen economy in the UK.

Dave Richardson, Interim Chair of the NWHA and Decarbonisation Solutions Director at Costain said:- “Once again it’s been amazing to see the UK come together to celebrate hydrogen. We’re proud to have launched the initiative last year and 2024 has been even bigger and better. One of the clear messages was that the UK needs to unite and collaborate if we are to really capitalise on the hydrogen opportunity. That’s one of the things that the NWHA helps to foster, and we’re really pleased to be welcoming three new members to the fold. Their breadth of experience and knowledge will really add to our already strong membership.”

The University of Manchester boasts a dynamic team of over 70 academics dedicated to pioneering research in various hydrogen-related fields. This extensive research encompasses a broad range of topics such as hydrogen production, purification, storage, transportation, and utilisation.

Dr. Lin Ma, Lecturer, and Dr Vincenzo Spallina, Reader (Associate Professors) at The University of Manchester said:- “The University of Manchester is actively involved in hydrogen-related research. The research areas include various aspects of Hydrogen Production and Delivery, Hydrogen Storage, and a number of cross-cutting topics including policy and social aspects. By joining the Alliance, academics and researchers of the University of Manchester will have a focused platform for hydrogen-related contacts, research, and business opportunities. They will be able to translate their research results to the benefit of North West industries and communities.”

Tetra Tech has built a strong legacy within the region by providing innovative, technical solutions that will be at the forefront of their approach as they help clients with the transition to hydrogen.

Craig Hatch, Division President, EUD Division, Tetra Tech said:- “The Tetra Tech group of companies look forward to collaborating with our industry peers as a member of the North West Hydrogen Alliance working together to support the UK in meeting its net zero commitments. Tetra Tech has built a legacy of Leading with Science® by providing innovative, technical solutions and this will be at the forefront of our approach as we help clients with their transition to hydrogen.”

Net Zero Energy Systems provides technical and management consultancy services to clients. Engaged in various decarbonisation initiatives in Wales, the organisation aims to forge partnerships with neighbouring companies in the North West. By integrating their decarbonisation plans, they seek to contribute to the overarching industrial decarbonisation plan for North Wales, ultimately benefiting the entire region.

Grant Spence, Managing Director at Net Zero Energy Systems said:- “I’m delighted that Net Zero Energy Systems is joining the North West Hydrogen Alliance. With our activities supporting UK decarbonisation projects being increasingly focused on the North West of England and North Wales, it made a lot of sense to apply to join NWHA to access increased collaboration opportunities, which will also help support the delivery of the NWHA’s mission objectives.”