News

Advancing Green Hydrogen Research at NeRV

Next-Generation Electrolyser Trial

NeRV research into demonstrating decentralised hydrogen generation in a whole systems setting has taken an important step forward with the appointment of green hydrogen start-up, WD Hydrotech, to our latest project.

Following a competitive tender process managed by the Energy Innovation Centre, WD Hydrotech, has been selected to supply and install a new membrane-less electrolyser for a flagship demonstration on site.

“I’m delighted to see this project progressing. The electrolyser will support our work exploring how decentralised green hydrogen generation can contribute to the UK’s roadmap to net zero and provide crucial evidence for future hydrogen policy decisions.”

Richard Hynes-Cooper
Head of Business Development, NeRV

Supporting the UK’s low carbon hydrogen ambitions

The UK government aims to significantly increase the production of low carbon hydrogen as part of its commitment to a sustainable energy future. The target is to increase capacity to 10GW by 2030, with at least half of this produced by electrolysis. This includes a goal of having 1GW of electrolytic hydrogen either operational or under construction by 2025.

Efficient electrolysers are crucial for achieving cost-effective, large-scale green hydrogen production to meet both domestic and global demand. Research has highlighted the urgent need to accelerate the development of next-generation electrolyser technologies to fulfil this demand – and this is where this project will make a significant impact.

Demonstrating electrolysers in a whole systems environment

As the UK’s first combined research, development and demonstration facility covering gas, electricity and water, NeRV is the ideal environment for developing and demonstrating innovative electrolyser technologies in a real-world whole systems setting.

WD Hydrotech’s 100kW electrolyser will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, focusing on:

  • Efficiency and reliability.
  • Integration within multi-vector energy systems.
  • Operational suitability for real-world applications.
  • Contribution to hydrogen activity as part of the broader whole systems research portfolio at NeRV.

Installation will commence in the first half of 2026, keep in touch for updates.