Loughborough University’s first‑of‑its‑kind battery‑electrolyser has been shortlisted for the International Energy Awards 2026 (Technology Award) — and is the only UK finalist in its category, alongside technology initiatives from companies in the United States, France and Ukraine.
The innovation combines energy storage and green hydrogen production in a single, recyclable lead‑acid unit, delivering around 20 L/min of high‑purity hydrogen without membranes or rare‑metal catalysts, offering a simple, scalable route to low‑cost clean hydrogen.
To scale, the project is backed by £12 million+ and 20+ partners, has completed full‑system testing (July 2025), and is now commissioning in Malawi with further units in build; it also underpins the East Midlands Freeport‑supported hydrogen production demonstrator on the University campus, part of the East Midlands Zero Carbon Innovation Centre.
EnerHy CDT director and project lead Professor Dani Strickland said: “It’s an honour for the whole Loughborough University team and our partners to be the only UK finalist in such a strong international field. Our battery‑electrolyser reflects Loughborough’s long‑term commitment to developing practical, scalable clean‑energy technology, and we’re delighted that this commitment has been recognised by the International Energy Awards.”
Joining Loughborough on the Technology shortlist are:
- Fluence — Fluence Smartstack (USA)
- Granular Energy — Traceable Clean Energy and Hourly Matching (France)
- AVA Energy — AVA Technopark: Sector Coupling Through Advanced Decentralized and Energy‑Efficient Solutions (USA)
- DTEK — Ukraine’s First and Largest Battery Storage Facility, Bolstering Energy Security
The International Energy Awards recognise organisations and individuals accelerating the global energy transition, including technical innovation, workforce development and public engagement. Recent President’s Award recipients include Secretary John Kerry (2025) and Lei Zhang (2026). The awards will be presented at the International Energy Week Dinner on Thursday 12 February 2026 at the QEII Centre, London.