Hydrogen
Hydrogen has a key role in the energy transition and is a significant player in both global and national decarbonisation strategies. Within the UK, this includes ongoing work supported by the Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Rounds and other initiatives and the development of hydrogen and CCUS clusters such as Hynet, Acorn and Viking. Beyond decarbonisation, hydrogen also plays a vital role in industrial applications ranging from cooling systems and fuel cells through to chemical processes.
Drawing on our long history in the processing, management and distribution of Coke Oven Gas — comprising up to 60% hydrogen — Otto Simon has maintained a strong position in the sector. Our involvement in projects such as HyDeploy and Industrial Fuel Switching has encompassed the full project lifecycle, from initial project definitions into detailed design and construction through to commissioning and operation of hydrogen plants. We have a proven track record in supporting the wider hydrogen market, including producers, distributors, storage operators and the integration of hydrogen into burners and process plants.
Otto Simon’s staff have significant experience within the hydrogen economy, contributing to the development of national and international industrial standards, either directly via Publicly Available Specifications or through our membership of bodies such as IGEM or the HEA. In a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, we support the safe and pragmatic delivery of hydrogen projects, ensuring our clients achieve regulatory compliance and build a robust safety case based on good practice.
We work collaboratively with our clients, taking the time to understand specific requirements and maintaining a flexible approach to deliver optimised solutions. As an Employee-Owned Trust, every OSL team member is directly invested in the success of our clients, ensuring accountability, commitment and the development of strong, long-term relationships built on trust and partnership.
Meet Our Head of Sector
Hugh Doble
As Head of Hydrogen, Hugh leads Otto Simon's hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation activities. A Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, he brings more than 20 years of engineering, project delivery and operational leadership experience. Hugh has played key roles in the development and delivery of hydrogen infrastructure projects across the UK, including demonstration plants for the glass, food and aluminium sectors. His practical understanding of project development, process safety, construction and commissioning enables clients to translate emerging hydrogen opportunities into safe, commercially viable projects.
NSG
Detailed design of a hydrogen delivery system to the NSG Float Glass Production Furnace at their Greengate works in St. Helens.
Industrial Fuel Switching
Further trials of hydrogen in two completely different manufacturing processes were also designed, commissioned and handed into operation by OSL, namely at the Kellogg's breakfast cereal manufacturing site Trafford Park, Manchester and the Novelis aluminium recycling plant in Warrington.
Keele
The landmark HyDeploy project at Keele University. Undertaken to demonstrate the successful use of a natural gas and hydrogen blend across a large gas network serving a variety of applications.
