Apollo is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract that could make it easier for businesses to start using hydrogen without waiting for major infrastructure.
Working with Wales & West Utilities and Volta Hydrogen, the project will develop a compact hydrogen generation module designed for use directly on industrial or commercial premises.
The system being developed uses Volta Hydrogen’s patented technology to produce hydrogen from natural gas, biogas, or other similar fuels. Instead of burning the gas or using high levels of electricity, the system splits the gas at a chemical level. This process produces two things: clean hydrogen, and a solid form of carbon, which can be safely captured and handled. This is a major advantage over traditional methods that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
In the short term, natural gas is used as the fuel source because it is widely available and doesn’t require new infrastructure. The system is designed to work on-site, which means businesses can generate hydrogen directly where it’s needed, without waiting for future hydrogen pipelines or storage networks.
Looking ahead, the system is fully compatible with green gases like biomethane. So, as cleaner fuels become more available, users can switch to them without changing the system, supporting a clear and practical pathway to net zero.
This kind of hydrogen production avoids the high electricity demand of electrolysis, making it more energy-efficient. It gives industrial users a realistic, near-term way to cut emissions using the infrastructure they already have, while preparing for cleaner energy inputs in the future.
The project will build and test a demonstration system that can produce up to 288 cubic metres of hydrogen each day – enough to support a wide range of industrial or commercial uses. It will also explore any regulatory or technical challenges that might affect rollout. After 10 months, the technology will be ready for larger-scale deployment.
Apollo has been appointed to lead the project by Wales & West Utilities, based on our experience delivering similar hydrogen studies and pilots across the UK including the feasibility of fuel switching to hydrogen on industrial estates, various concept level plans and the preFEED of HyLine Cymru, a hydrogen transmission line planned to run from Milford Haven to the Port Talbot area.
“We’re thrilled to once again work with our partners at Wales & West Utilities and Volta Hydrogen on this exciting technology. It offers real potential for customers eager to adopt hydrogen ahead of broader network availability.”
Phil Westmorland, Apollo’s Director of Decarbonisation.
“Volta Hydrogen is proud to collaborate with our project partners on this groundbreaking demonstration of low-carbon hydrogen production. Decarbonising industrial natural gas use is one of the UK’s most pressing energy challenges. This project represents a dynamic step forward, showcasing a practical, cost-effective solution that can be deployed in the near term to accelerate the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy future.”
Rob Bell, CEO, Volta Hydrogen Ltd.
“At WWU, we’re exploring the role for green gases like hydrogen and biomethane in decarbonising our network, especially in hard-to-abate industry. We already produce enough biomethane to meet the demand of around 160,000 homes, and are developing hydrogen infrastructure such as HyLine Cymru and HyLine Gogledd to further our green ambitions. Technologies like Volta Hydrogen give I&C customers choice when it comes to meeting net zero targets, whilst also helping to stimulate the hydrogen economy.”
James Adams, Net Zero Project Manager, Wales & West Utilities.
For more information on this project or Apollo’s decarbonisation services, email decarbonisation@apollo.engineer.