Loughborough’s battery breakthrough turns lead-acid tech into green hydrogen powerhouses
Loughborough University's battery-electrolyser team has been recognised for their innovative work in hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The team, led by Jonathan Wilson and Dani Strickland, has won the prestigious Stewart Dow Memorial Award for their scalable and cost-effective solution to global energy and hydrogen production challenges.
The team's groundbreaking innovation transforms lead-acid batteries into dual-purpose systems for energy storage and green hydrogen production. The first system was successfully tested in Loughborough, achieving an impressive 99% hydrogen purity. The project has received significant backing, with £0.95m in seed funding from the East Midlands Freeport and further support from the £1.5M Innovate UK MESCH project. This funding has enabled the team to scale up their work at the Zero Carbon Innovation Centre.
The team's efforts have already borne fruit in practical applications. Their system is being deployed in Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi, providing reliable solar energy. Furthermore, two more units are under construction, including an EMF-funded demonstrator to be located at Loughborough. Another unit is ready for shipping to Zambia as part of the €10m Horizon Europe LoCEL-H2 project. Despite the international scope of their work, the team remains committed to public engagement, actively promoting hydrogen as a safe and sustainable energy source at science festivals and exhibitions.
Dr John Barton collected the Stewart Dow Memorial Award on behalf of the team, honouring the legacy of Stewart Dow in hydrogen fuel cells. The team's work has sparked international collaboration with industry leaders and organisations worldwide. Their innovative solution to global energy challenges is not only recognised but also being implemented, demonstrating the real-world impact of their research.
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