Teesside University and Durham University are collaborating with The Expanded Metal Company to develop new technology for producing hydrogen from seawater, which could provide a sustainable energy source.
Hydrogen is seen as a key clean energy source for the future, but producing it sustainably is challenging. One method involves using seawater to produce hydrogen, but this process can create harmful by-products and typically requires expensive desalination (removing salt from seawater) before it can work effectively.
The project will develop new materials and technologies that make it possible to produce hydrogen directly from seawater without needing to remove the salt first. The team will test different materials that can handle the harsh conditions of seawater and improve the efficiency of the hydrogen production process.
This project could lead to a breakthrough in sustainable hydrogen production, providing a new way to generate clean energy without depleting freshwater resources. The technology developed could also boost the economy in the Tees Valley region by creating jobs and attracting investment in green energy.
*The Net Zero project is receiving up to £8.85m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
