Working closely with other leading institutions, the hydrogen
accelerator will help maximise the economic opportunities from
the shift to zero or ultra-low emission mobility solutions. It
will achieve this by increasing expert capacity to advise on
transport focussed hydrogen projects, improving coordination
between ongoing key initiatives and conducting expert analysis
to foster new partnerships between industry and government.
This project directly supports the Scottish Government’s
world-leading commitment to its net-zero target of 2045.
Additionally, the work of the hydrogen accelerator will also
support the ambition of phasing out the need for new petrol and
diesel cars and vans by 2032. By connecting the project to
expertise at other Scottish universities, relevant centres and
initiatives, including the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
and Power Networks Distribution Centre – this will assist with
the development of a strategic hydrogen workforce to support
Scotland’s green recovery.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and
Connectivity
said:
“I’m pleased that we can establish a new Hydrogen Accelerator
for Scotland at the University of St Andrews. With their
renowned specialism in hydrogen technologies and innovation –
this is a perfect match at a time when there is really exciting
work in the sector taking place across Scotland.
“We already boast several world-leading demonstrator projects.
These include Aberdeen’s Hydrogen Bus projects and the
wide-ranging Orkney projects drawing on marine renewable energy
to provide hydrogen for power generation, heating buildings and
powering vehicles. With abundant renewable energy resources and
a strong engineering skills base, Scotland is in a strong
position to develop a globally competitive hydrogen sector.
“By establishing this hydrogen accelerator at the University of
St Andrews, we’re ensuring that hydrogen technologies can be
successfully implemented in an economically sustainable way to
achieve Scotland’s decarbonisation and net-zero ambitions. I
wish Professor John Irvine and his team at St Andrews every
success in supporting our flourishing hydrogen sector.”
Professor John Irvine from the University of St Andrews
said:
"It is excellent news that we can now launch the Hydrogen
Accelerator for Scotland. We look forward to the accelerator
team engaging with and mentoring hydrogen activities across the
country so that we can best deliver a hydrogen enabled
low-carbon economy.
“Hydrogen will be very important in our low-carbon future, and
we have considerable expertise at St Andrews in these kind of
technologies. The accelerator will be located at our new Eden
Campus development where we will be supporting the
commercialisation of new technologies in energy conversion and
storage, including hydrogen. It's a great opportunity for us to
engage with Scottish companies who are breaking into these new
markets."
