Hydrogen is front and centre of the net zero conversation, with COP26 just having taken place, governments’, industry and citizens alike all trying to understand the take aways around how to be more sustainable and what sort of lifestyle changes we can make to help save the planet and make decisions to reverse the damage done to the climate. Hydrogen is something that is being looked at globally as a sustainable source of energy, although this in itself can be misleading as hydrogen can be produced utilized using fossil fuels and only in October did a startup win the Earthshot prize around producing sustainable hydrogen, AEM Electrolyzer uses technology to turn renewable electricity into emission free hydrogen gas. With many governments looking at ways to utilize hydrogen innovation in their future net zero plans, for transport and energy, this is a topic which can foster some exciting partnerships between countries.

The Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) has welcomed its first cohort of 13 SME’s focussed on driving energy technology innovation. Supported by HSBC UK and delivered by the University of Birmingham in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult, the CIP programme will provide the SME’s with tailored packages of support to drive the commercialisation of innovative energy products and services. Each of the 13 SMEs will have access to: business engagement, acceleration and incubation support; start‐up mentoring; market research reports; funding and investor opportunities; advice on regulations; a dedicated support team as well as incubation space at Tyseley Energy Park.