Loughborough’s lead‑acid battery‑electrolyser will be progressed through the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator, delivered with Conception X, to fast‑track scale‑up, manufacturing automation and field validation. The nine‑month programme (March–November) provides deep‑tech venture training, expert mentoring, investor access and showcases that will help translate the technology into impact.
Developed by the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology and co-led by EnerHy’s Professor Dani Strickland and Dr Jonathan Wilson, the battery‑electrolyser stores electricity and produces green hydrogen in a single, recyclable unit, delivering around 20 L/min of ~99% purity hydrogen without membranes or rare metal catalysts. Following full system testing in July 2025, commissioning is under way in Malawi, with a Côte d’Ivoire deployment planned for June 2026 to support community enterprise.
The programme builds on substantial support to date, including €10 million Horizon Europe funding (LoCEL‑H2) and more than £12 million in wider investment from 20+ partners, including Innovate UK and regional initiatives.
EnerHy director and battery-electrolyser project co‑lead, Professor Dani Strickland, said: “This is a proud moment for the team, especially Matt Brenton who has just embarked on the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator. It was during a quick‑look feasibility study as part of his MSc that we discovered the potential of the battery-electrolyser and it has since grown into a robust, scalable platform with real‑world deployments. The Royce Hydrogen Accelerator and Conception X will help us deepen the entrepreneurial skills and networks that are essential to translating the battery‑electrolyser into impact.”