Government to invest £300,000 in university hydrogen accelerator

Drawing on the expertise of the university, and in partnership with institutions across Scotland, the new initiative will propel innovations in hydrogen technology and encourage knowledge-sharing to support transport applications and sustainable mobility.

Working closely with other leading institutions, the hydrogen accelerator will help maximise the economic opportunities from the shift to zero or ultra-low emission mobility solutions.

It will achieve this by increasing expert capacity to advise on transport focussed hydrogen projects, improving coordination between ongoing key initiatives and conducting expert analysis to foster new partnerships between industry and government.

Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “I’m pleased that we can establish a new hydrogen accelerator for Scotland at the University of St Andrews. With its renowned specialism in hydrogen technologies and innovation – this is a perfect match at a time when there is really exciting work in the sector taking place across Scotland.

“By establishing this hydrogen accelerator we’re ensuring that hydrogen technologies can be successfully implemented in an economically sustainable way to achieve Scotland’s decarbonisation and net-zero ambitions. I wish professor John Irvine and his team at St Andrews every success in supporting our flourishing hydrogen sector.”

Professor John Irvine, from the University of St Andrews, added: “It is excellent news that we can now launch the hydrogen accelerator for Scotland.

“We look forward to the accelerator team engaging with and mentoring hydrogen activities across the country so that we can best deliver a hydrogen enabled low-carbon economy.”