Clean energy the key focus at the Kent and Medway Hydrogen Summit

Researchers, innovators and energy-sector leaders met to discuss the latest developments in the movement to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the Kent and Medway Hydrogen Summit on 24 November (@UniKent).

Taking place at the Historic Dockyard Chatham’s Old Dockyard Church, the Summit was led by the region’s leading higher education institutions: the University of Kent; Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Greenwich, to provide an opportunity to hear the latest updates in both hydrogen research and clean energy development.

With an opening address by Councillor Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, the Summit was also an opportunity for the leading figures and organisations at the forefront of clean energy research to discuss and network for future collaboration.

Sector insights were presented by speakers from Arup, Thames Clipper, Ryze Hydrogen, Thames Estuary Growth Board, Hypoint and SGN, each taking the stage to update on their own areas of research and development.

Simon Barnes, Funding and Partnership Development Manager of Kent’s Research and Innovation Services, gave insights into the role universities and higher education will play in accelerating the hydrogen economy. He said:

‘The Summit has been a huge success as a platform for leading players in the hydrogen economy to update us on the vital research underway and in preparation to achieve the nation’s emissions goals. The opportunity for discussing, networking and sharing ideas means that the South East is at the forefront of developing clean energy in the UK and delivering Net Zero. The county’s three leading universities have collaborated with the sector to reach this point and further collaboration in research will come.’

Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, who is leading on Medway’s Climate Change agenda, said:

‘I was pleased to open the Kent and Medway Hydrogen Summit in Chatham. We all need to work together in the fight against climate change and the Summit brought organisations from a number of sectors together to discuss the latest developments in clean energy technologies. We are working hard to achieve net zero carbon across Medway by 2050 and we will continue working with partner agencies, the local community and the universities in order to do this.’