Winchester, UK - The University of Glamorgan is to open a pioneering £2.2 million hydrogen energy research and demonstration centre at Baglan Energy Park near Swansea, Wales, UK.

The Centre, part of the University's Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, aims to become a world leading research facility and demonstration project integrating renewable energy technologies (solar photovoltaic and wind) with hydrogen and fuel cell energy technologies.

The new 'Hydrogen Centre' has been created to demonstrate the viability and safety of producing hydrogen from indigenous renewable resources in Wales.

Utilising renewable hydrogen as a fuel has the potential to address the increasingly prevalent issues of energy security, air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Recognising the significance of the opening of the Centre, car manufacturer Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will be bringing its hydrogen-powered vehicle the 'FCV X-Trail' to Wales for the first time. During the launch event, First Minister Rhodri Morgan will take the opportunity to drive the vehicle.

Professor Dennis Hawkes who is leading the project explained, “Rather than an isolated one-off demonstration, this Centre provides the basis for a range of hydrogen energy and transport activities. The project puts Wales at the forefront of European efforts to develop hydrogen communities. The new centre brings together technology and expertise and will provide a platform for new business development, growth and employment in the region.”

The opening of the Centre builds on the wealth of hydrogen energy projects already underway at the University of Glamorgan. Earlier this year, the University launched the UK's first minibus to be powered by a fuel cell using hydrogen as its fuel and the University has a number of world-leading pilot scale biohydrogen projects.

Developed by the University of Glamorgan with part funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the building of the Centre was supported by Neath Port Talbot Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Working with the University at the centre, companies will be able to research, develop and demonstrate hydrogen related products and technologies. The centre is seeking to generate new, highly skilled jobs in an emerging hydrogen economy.

The centre features photovoltaic installation covering about 148 m2 on the roof of the office block. The installation is a 21kW peak system, comprising 105 x Kyocera KC200GHT-2 modules and 4 x Fronius IG40 inverters. The expected output of the system is 16,800 kWhrs per annum, with a CO2 saving of over 9,500 kg per annum. The system supplier is Dulas Ltd.

The hydrogen produced by electrolysis will be compressed and stored, effectively storing the excess incoming renewable energy. Also included in the equipment is a 10kW single phase inverter system with a 1 hour valve regulated lead acid battery. The PEM fuel cell is based on the Hydrogenics HD module. The equipment is supplied by Air Liquide and UPS Systems plc.

Renewable Hydrogen Research and Development Centre