The £1m ($1.1m) research project sets out to advance techniques to use thermochemical reactions to produce hydrogen from biomass and other waste materials, with intentions of exploring solutions to address scalability and storage.

H2 View understands the researchers intend to initially focus on using the estimated four million tonnes of waste and by-products created by UK distilleries, and the approximate 127 million tonnes of agricultural waste generated in Malaysia for hydrogen produce.

According to the partners, the team will explore the use of depleted oil wells for the storage of pure hydrogen without the need to add natural gas for stability.

Dr. Gboyega Bishop Falope, Head of UK Research and Technology at Petronas, said, “Sustainability is at the core of Petronas’ business model. We place high emphasis on reducing emissions through technological advancements and digitalisation, in line with our Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 aspiration.

“We are confident this research will elevate the contribution hydrogen can make as part of the world’s energy mix, and to be part of the holistic solution that brings forth a sustainable future.”

Dr. Aimaro Sanna, Chemical and Process Engineering Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University, added, “Creating new energy sources from waste products solves numerous global challenges including reducing landfill, and minimising carbon emissions.

“This hydrogen research is a significant step towards addressing the increased waste generated year on year across multiple sectors as well as building the potential for hydrogen as a sustainable energy source of the future.”