The UK Hydrogen Energy Network

The UK Hydrogen Energy Network (H2NET) was established in April 2000 as a joint collaboration between UK industry and academia interested in the development of hydrogen as an energy vector. The network is currently supported by the UK Department of Trade & Industry (DTI).

Concerns over the adverse effects of continuing fossil fuel consumption, such as global climate change and urban pollution, have led to consideration of alternative, 'clean', energy sources. The term hydrogen economy describes an overall national energy infrastructure based on hydrogen produced from non-fossil primary energy sources. Within this concept, hydrogen is regarded as a suitable storage and transmission vector for energy from renewable or nuclear power systems, allowing the generator or utility increased flexibility in responding to fluctuations in wind or solar input or consumer demand, on a diurnal or seasonal basis. Hydrogen can be stored and transported in pressure vessels or transmitted by pipeline to the point of end-use. It is a versatile fuel, which can easily be substituted for traditional fuels, whether for stationary or transport applications, resulting in improved efficiency and negligible pollution. In the transportation sector, many automotive manufacturers consider hydrogen to be the leading contender for a new generation of highly efficient 'zero-emission' vehicles.