21/1/2008

Construction work has started on Wales' first Renewable Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Centre based on Baglan Energy Park. The 1.7 million pound centre is being developed by The University of Glamorgan in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council.

The first of its kind in Wales, the Centre will explore the potential use of hydrogen as one of the key fuels of the future and will show how hydrogen can be produced from local renewable sources.

It will bring together academic and industrial expertise and research, providing a hub for hydrogen business development throughout Wales. It forms part of a suite of projects supported by the Welsh Energy Research Centre through grant aid from the Welsh European Funding Office.

Located next to the Solar Centre and close to the Technium Sustainable Technologies centre, the building will provide facilities for hydrogen production, conferencing, research, demonstrations and education and will run itself from renewable energy sources.

The project complements the Welsh Assembly Government's Accelerate Clusters network that is designed to develop the automotive sector in Wales by focusing on emerging technologies and niche market opportunities to meet the sustainable transport agenda

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the centre would be an important all-Wales resource and provide a focal point for developing hydrogen technologies and research into reducing fuel emissions.

He said: "It will help place Wales as a key centre for the development of alternative fuel technologies and a showcase for low or zero emission transportation systems. This additional facility will also make Baglan Energy Park a particularly attractive location for companies involved in renewable and sustainable technologies."

Professor Dennis Hawkes from the University of Glamorgan said: "Rather than an isolated one-off demonstration, this project is to provide the basis for a range of hydrogen energy and transport activities. Its intention is to put Wales at the forefront of European efforts to develop hydrogen communities.

"The new Centre will bring together technology and expertise and will provide a platform for new business development, growth and employment in the region."

Derek Vaughan, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council commented: "Environmental issues and providing quality jobs for local people are top of Neath Port Talbot's agenda. The centre is developing very quickly and we are very pleased at the future for the park with such an innovative research centre on site. The University of Glamorgan is one of the world's leading establishments into the feasibility of using hydrogen as an energy carrier. Working together we are building a reputable centre for research and development of sustainable technologies."