Discover how Greater Brighton is championing the transition to hydrogen

Local experts will present the strengths and opportunities for developing the hydrogen economy in the Sussex area at an online launch on 11 July. 

Register for the online launch of the Hydrogen Strategy

Developed by local company Ricardo, on behalf of Hydrogen Sussex, the Greater Brighton Hydrogen Strategy shows that with the right focus, collaboration and action, the region has real potential to stand out within the UK hydrogen landscape and gain economic and environmental benefits.

Ground breaking

Hydrogen is a fast-growing sector with the potential to enable decarbonisation, support national energy security, create green growth and improve air quality.

The Greater Brighton and wider Sussex area has already broken ground in the Hydrogen industry, with advanced engineering, education and research being very well represented. Local initiatives include:

• Hydrogen buses: Metrobus has just launched 15 hydrogen buses to serve the Crawley and Gatwick area, with a further 34 hydrogen buses joining their fleet over the next 18 months.
• Shoreham Port: The port is working with partners H2Green to create a Green Energy Hub, producing green hydrogen in a multi-megawatt electrolysis plant - initially for Shoreham Port, and then supplying green hydrogen across the region. 
• Maritime sector: Sussex’s engineering companies are at the forefront of hydrogen decarbonisation in the maritime sector. Bramble Energy, Cox Marine, Ceres Power and Ricardo are just some of the local companies which have received Government funding to tackle marine decarbonisation.
• Sussex and Brighton universities: The two universities in the area have PHD studies on innovations in the sector, with Brighton University partnering with companies to win government research funding.
• Worthing Crematorium: Could become the first in the world to trial a switch to 100% hydrogen. If testing is successful with cremator manufacturer DFW Europe, hydrogen technology will be brought over to Worthing Crematorium as early as spring 2024.

The region is already home to several hydrogen technology companies and has a strong capacity for innovation which could be developed to expand its engineering excellence.

Exciting opportunities

Abigail Dombey, Chair of Hydrogen Sussex said: "There are many exciting opportunities for hydrogen growth in our region - from hydrogen marine projects to investment in a clean energy infrastructure at Shoreham Port and the commercialisation of research into new business ventures.

This will support us in our transition to a flourishing net zero economy and a decarbonised future.

“The wider Sussex area already stands out in the hydrogen industry with its advanced engineering excellence, maritime decarbonisation research and further education.

“With our new strategy, we have developed a foundation of knowledge to support hydrogen development and to secure economic benefit for regional hydrogen growth, production and use. This will enable us to begin the transition to a net zero economy and work towards a greener, renewable energy future.”