The new £4.1 million Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre (MFCIC) has been launched. The facility is dedicated to developing new sources of green, emission-free hydrogen and fuel cell energy.
Fuel cells are more energy efficient than diesel or gas engines and create sustainable electrical power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen within the cell, the only by-products of the process are heat and water.
These cells also store energy efficiently which currently other forms of renewable energy struggle to do. The development of this technology could be used to power homes, factories, offices, cars and public transport.
Researchers at MFCIC will share their expertise and specialist equipment to work with business across Manchester. They will train them in this new technology to enable SMEs to utilise both its commercial and environmental benefits. The facility will also produce advanced materials for fuel cells and next-generation energy storage, utilising nanomaterials and 3D printing, as well as planning hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure for the region.
Vice-chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, Professor Malcolm Press, said: ''The Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre will be a regional hub for research innovation and economic growth in the fuel cell technology sector. This is crucial both environmentally and economically for the region, as the UK focuses on increasing its use of renewable energy and lowering emissions. I am delighted that we will be making our expertise and distinctive capabilities in fuel cell technology available to industry, business and policy makers across Greater Manchester, transforming how we all power our homes, workplaces and vehicles.''
Director of Partnerships at MFCIC, Amer Gaffar, commented: ''There is currently huge investment in hydrogen and fuel cell technology, both nationally and globally and this will continue to grow. Our collaborations with SMEs will open up the vast market opportunities that fuel cells can bring to Greater Manchester business and industry – ensuring that this green technology is adopted across the region. We are also excited about engaging with the public, educating people about the importance of producing sustainable energy and how hydrogen power can benefit all of us.''
