Hydrogen is a new, low carbon energy that will be critical for the transition to Net Zero. The UK has placed hydrogen at Point 2 in its ‘10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’, (wind power is point 1) and aims for 5 GW low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 which could power over 3 million households each year. This can only be achieved with new infrastructures for hydrogen storage and transportation. However, hydrogen has to be stored or delivered under high pressure (70 MPa) or extreme low temperature (-253C) to achieve its best gravimetric energy density. It is widely accepted that carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite is the best material for hydrogen storage and transportation, particularly considering the H2 embrittlement issue of metals. In this project, I aim to drive CFRP based infrastructure for H2 storage and transportation by solving the challenges including (1) hydrogen permeation, (2) material degradation under extreme hydrogen environment, and (3) cost. The overarching goal of the research program is to accelerate manufacturing capacity in the UK and achieve national and international leading position in hydrogen innovation and economy.

Above figure shows the future infrastructure for hydrogen economy, from hydrogen production using renewable energies, to transmission pipeline system for hydrogen transportation, and finally to commercial and residential hydrogen end users. Polymer composites are essential enabling materials for this future hydrogen infrastructure.