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New £4m low-carbon tech hub launches in Manchester

SMEs working on carbon-neutral hydrogen fuel technology will now be able to access state-of-the-art equipment and tech as part of a new technology hub launched at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre (MFCIC), which is being part-funded with £1.6m from the European Regional Development Fund, will support businesses developing low-carbon fuel cells which could soon be powering everything from homes to cars.

The centre will be geared towards the production of fuel cell materials utilising nanomaterials and 3D printing, while also plotting out the Greater Manchester region’s hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure.

Hydrogen fuel cells, which work by converting hydrogen into oxygen and water to create electricity, have been widely tipped as a sustainable way for the UK to meet its energy needs in the coming decades.

Dr David Lambrick, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science and Engineering, commented: “This is truly a ground-breaking initiative to drive forward innovation in our SMEs, develop emission-free energy and firmly position Manchester as a worldwide centre of excellence in fuel cells.

“The big challenge for the 21st century is how we create a sustainable future while meeting demand for energy, which will only continue to rise in the coming years.”

“Fuel cells are a fundamental part of the hydrogen economy and what we have at Manchester Metropolitan is the expertise in advanced materials, nanotechnology, smart grid technology and business development.”

Manchester is developing a burgeoning reputation for low-carbon tech with 2,043 companies currently providing low-carbon environmental goods and services in Greater Manchester, employing 38,000 people.

The new facility is part of Manchester Metropolitan’s Greater Manchester Hydrogen Partnership (GMHP) which is attempting to cement the region’s growing reputation in the sector through collaboration between academics, industry and government.

Amer Gaffar, MFCIC Partnership Director, added: “This is very timely for Manchester with UK hydrogen infrastructure continuing to grow. Our aim is to provide the correct conditions for SMEs in the sector to develop new technology but also provide the space and support for new start-up companies to flourish.”