A hydrogen refuelling station, funded by Loughborough University and emda, is set to lead the way in the development of green technologies.

The facility, which is one of only two that are currently operational in the UK, will enable the University to drive forward its research in this area, as well as provide a refuelling service to hydrogen vehicles used by campus-based organisations. One of the main benefits of hydrogen-powered vehicles is that they only emit water vapour into the atmosphere and not environmentally damaging carbon dioxide. Loughborough’s ultimate goal is to transfer its own service fleet over to hydrogen.

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Based at Holywell Park, the centre is part of a cluster of hydrogen refuelling stations being set up across the region by the British Midlands Hydrogen Forum. Known as the Midlands Hydrogen Ring, the stations will be at the heart of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure planned throughout the UK.

The University's Chief Operating Officer, Will Spinks officially opened Loughborough's refueller. On display at the event were a range of hydrogen vehicles, including Microcabs, the Morgan LifeCar and the ENV bike. The ENV bike is the world's first purpose built hydrogen fuel cell motorbike and was developed by Loughborough University spin out Intelligent Energy.

Speaking about the new facility Mr Spinks said: "At Loughborough, sustainability is key. The opening of this new refueling station underlines our commitment to operating in an environmentally friendly way and to the development of new technologies that support this goal."

The refueller was manufactured by Air Products. Initially, gas for the facility will be provided by an external supplier, but the University is investigating ways of creating its own hydrogen through the use of green technologies on campus.

(JM)