Hydrogen Event
Otto Simon Ltd • June 11, 2019
Otto Simon attended the North West Hydrogen Event on 5th June which focused on ‘Delivering the Hydrogen Economy’.
A number of pioneering hydrogen projects were showcased at ‘Delivering the Hydrogen Economy’ event, held at Heath Park, Runcorn on 5th June, each of which position the North West at the forefront of this technology.
Cadent presented the findings from their new ‘HyMotion Report’ which confirms plans to introduce hydrogen into the North West England’s gas network for both domestic heat, and also to support the growth of hydrogen as a low-carbon transport fuel. Cadent’s Chief Safety and Strategy Officer, Ed Syson, explained that with Cadent delivering the bulk volume of hydrogen needed in the North West via a pipeline network, “Hydrogen can complement electricity and advanced biofuels as an attracted option for future fuel.”
Liverpool City Region’s Metro Mayor, Steve Rotherham, welcomed the reports’ findings, as a “valuable piece of evidence in our journey towards a hydrogen economy. It shows us how we can use network-delivered hydrogen across the North West to make fuel cells technology a viable option for HGVs, trains, buses and cars, alongside other proposed technologies.” He also highlighted that, “if we are to meet our commitment to be a zero carbon city region by 2040, urgent action is needed to move to alternative fuel sources. Hydrogen will play a key role in that process, and we, with our neighbours, are well-placed to lead the way in this emerging technology.”
The event showcased on-going projects which use Hydrogen as a transport fuel; displaying various hydrogen vehicles, including the: Liverpool City Region Hydrogen Bus; Toyota Mirai; Hyundai Nexo; Renault Kangoo Van; and AA hydrogen refuelling van. A model of the Alstom ‘Breeze’ hydrogen train which is due to be converted in Widnes and used across the UK was also displayed.
With more than 200 delegates from across the industrial, academic and government sectors, the event was a fantastic showcase of the North West’s technical capability and desire to deliver the UK’s first hydrogen economy.
Otto Simon is working with Cadent and the HyDeploy consortium to deliver a blended supply of natural gas and hydrogen for domestic use at Keele University. We’re proud to be supporting this innovative project, and look forward to supporting future hydrogen driven projects in the North West.
Back to Blog
Show More
Recent Blog Posts
Otto Simon recently attended the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) annual conference in Westminster, London, a key event for the hydrogen industry. The conference featured a keynote speech by Sarah Jones, UK Government Minister of State for Industry and Net Zero , highlighting the government's commitment to this crucial sector. Our team had the invaluable opportunity to hear directly from industry-leading hydrogen experts , gaining first-hand insights into the latest policies and government funding initiatives. This direct access to information is vital for staying at the forefront of hydrogen advancements. Congratulations to Clive Mansfield and Clare Dunkerley from our team, who actively participated in the networking sessions, engaging in discussions about hydrogen and safety —a critical aspect of our work. They also gathered useful information that will directly benefit our ongoing hydrogen projects.
Here at Otto Simon, we're committed to staying at the forefront of safety and compliance in Process Plant projects. That's why two of our seasoned principal engineers, Mike Wray and Mike Westerman, recently attended a crucial refresher course on machinery regulations at the HSE Science and Research Centre. In the world of Process Plant projects, it's common to encounter machinery assemblies where vendors don't provide a declaration of conformity. With the recent publication of the new EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230/EU, it's more important than ever to be on top of the latest guidelines. This ensures we can continue to offer our UK-based clients the best advice on their responsibilities and how to apply conformity assessments when machinery risks are present. This applies to both new equipment and the repurposing of existing machinery. Considering there are over 800 standards related to machinery design, our approach is meticulous. We utilise a thorough hazard identification process to carefully evaluate risks and implement best practice safety mitigations in all our designs. This proactive approach helps us ensure the highest level of safety for your projects. Please get in touch for assistance.
Prime Minister, Kier Starmer visits St Helens, Merseyside today as he paid a visit to the Glass Futures facility! The Prime Minister spoke to workers at the facility this morning, Thursday, May 29 during a visit. “Can I just start by thanking those that work here for showing me this morning what you do, showing me the skills that you have, telling me a bit about what goes on here and the incredible history. “If I’ve understood what you’ve told me glass has been made on this very site for the best part of 250 years." “I think Pilkington may have been running the business before, and we can actually just see Pilkington out there so for you to be continuing with Glass Futures, very apt name, working here is fantastic and I can see how proud you are of what you do, each of you contributing with your different skills to what is happening here." The Labour politician added: “As I’ve said many, many, times you can read a briefing in London or you can come and see the workforce and come and see the people with the real skills and understand what they’re doing and thank you for allowing me to do the second of those as I’ve got a really good sense of what you’re doing here, how you’re doing it and the incredible way you’re doing it, each of you contributing in your own way and I can see that pride.” The £54m innovative research and technology facility was opened in Peasley Cross in 2023, at the former United Glass site. The mission is to help decarbonise the global glass industry by pioneering ways of making carbon-neutral glass.