News >>> Midlands Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Network

Published 12 January 2022

With the coming of the Green Industrial Revolution and the hydrogen age, the Midlands continues to lead the way by formalising the Midlands Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Network to support local hydrogen innovation. The goal of the network is to realise the value of hydrogen knowledge in the region, and deliver net zero through Green Growth. The network connects 500+ organisations with local hydrogen economic interests.

The Midlands Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Network was founded by Adelan, as a commercially led, inclusive trade association for the region to bring the Midlands fuel cell and hydrogen active businesses and groups together to provide support. The Network produced the first UK hydrogen strategy in 2017 and now represents the UK Midlands hydrogen economy. It supports the global hydrogen community by advocating for local groups and businesses as well as forming affinity partnerships. It formalises agreements between businesses and organisations, to provide expertise, product and/or services to build supply chains and disseminate information raising awareness.

The aim of the network is to consolidate the hydrogen and fuel cell sector strengths in the region from the ground up, in order to commercialise the technology and to enable a fuel cell and hydrogen product marketplace. We synchronise local supply and demand, to accelerate green growth. We are working closely with the Midlands’ business community, public bodies and with national organizations such as UKHFCA, Make UK, the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association etc. So far, the network links 500+ businesses and organisations, and is the go-to organization for advice on hydrogen fuel and technologies and offering support to interested parties. The network organizes events throughout the year and will continue to co-chair the largest annual hydrogen technology conference in the UK at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Network will provide leadership and a regional voice for the hydrogen sector. The strategy of the network is to develop a business case for UK manufacturing and build a local investment platform for UK technology, green hydrogen and manufacturing, to provide hydrogen and fuel cell knowledge and steer a skills strategy. The aim is to attract local funding and develop UK hydrogen talent to stimulate the Midlands’ deployment of UK fuel cell technologies and hydrogen fuel.

There are a lot of benefits for businesses and organisations to become a member. It will provide businesses with a voice for the Midlands hydrogen industry, which will be beneficial to emerging small businesses, but it will be equally beneficial for larger organisations to identify viable local supply chains. It will provide an opportunity for business development, and create connections between businesses and organisations to develop commercial partnerships and attract inward investment. There will be meetings and seminars held for members throughout the year, and this will be a chance for members to connect and hold discussions, as well as receive technical expert advice and support. It will offer exclusive access to data and information exchange.

Throughout history, the Midlands has demonstrated dynamic leadership through the business community. The UK’s oldest fuel cell company – Adelan – will ensure that businesses in the Midlands continue to have a voice in the global hydrogen economy through the Network. Adelan pioneered the Hydrogen Age and for twenty-six years has been a catalyst for change, synchronising hydrogen activities and supply chains across the region, and now taking a leap forward by founding the Midlands Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Network.

For more information about the Midlands Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Network and how it can support your hydrogen technology needs, you can contact the Midlands Hydrogen Network at mhfcn@adelan.co.uk. The network also has a LinkedIn page, linked here: Midlands Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Network | LinkedIn