Bramble Energy, a specialist in clean technology and hydrogen fuel cell technology, has achieved a significant milestone in the production of hydrogen fuel cells, paving the way for a net-zero future in transportation in the UK.
Under the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Scale-up Readiness Validation (SuRV) program, Bramble Energy received £1.8 million in funding in September 2022 as part of the Automotive Transformation Fund. The aim was to develop an optimized fuel cell stack assembly with the capacity to produce up to 2,000 50 kW stacks per year. In less than two years, Bramble Energy successfully accomplished this at its advanced headquarters and Hydrogen Innovation Hub in Crawley.
The completion of the SuRV project has allowed Bramble Energy to simplify the fuel cell stack assembly process through the design of its trademarked Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell (PCBFC™). This design incorporates integrated membrane electrode assembly into unitized PCB modules, streamlining production and reducing costs.
Importantly, Bramble Energy has demonstrated its commitment to achieving low-cost production, with a target of $100 per kilowatt, at a production volume of 2,000 50 kW stacks per year (100 MW/year)*.
In addition to their success in the SuRV project, Bramble Energy has secured funding for a groundbreaking initiative involving the development of fuel cell technology for a new hydrogen-powered double-deck bus. With partners including Equipmake, Aeristech, and the University of Bath, the project received £6.3 million from the APC and industry contributions, totaling £12.7 million.
Dr. Tom Mason, CEO of Bramble Energy, explains that these projects have not only allowed the company to advance its production processes but have also contributed to solving the challenge of powering vehicles in a clean, reliable, and cost-effective manner. Bramble Energy is dedicated to creating real-world solutions for the wider transportation sector, with a particular focus on the development of the hydrogen-powered double-deck bus demonstrator known as HEIDI.
The progress made by Bramble Energy reflects the wider industry’s efforts to improve the efficiency and scalability of fuel cell technology. The significant reduction in the cost of automotive fuel cells, by 70% since 2008, positions the UK as a potential leader in this field. This evolution in production methods not only strengthens the viability of fuel cell technology but also contributes to the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Julian Hetherington, APC’s Automotive Transformation Director, emphasizes the importance of Bramble Energy’s accomplishments in facilitating the transition to a net-zero future in the automotive sector. By advancing fuel cell technology, Bramble Energy is paving the way for a viable and scalable net-zero transport solution that can be delivered at a lower cost. This reinforces confidence in large-scale manufacturing investment and builds electrified supply chains in the UK.
FAQs:
Q: What is Bramble Energy?
A: Bramble Energy is a specialist in clean technology and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Q: What milestone has Bramble Energy achieved?
A: Bramble Energy has achieved a significant milestone in the production of hydrogen fuel cells.
Q: How did Bramble Energy achieve this milestone?
A: Bramble Energy received funding under the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Scale-up Readiness Validation program to develop an optimized fuel cell stack assembly.
Q: What is the aim of Bramble Energy’s fuel cell stack assembly?
A: The aim is to produce up to 2,000 50 kW stacks per year.
Q: What is the significance of Bramble Energy’s Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell design?
A: The design simplifies the fuel cell stack assembly process, streamlining production and reducing costs.
Q: What is Bramble Energy’s target for low-cost production?
A: Bramble Energy aims to achieve a cost of $100 per kilowatt at a production volume of 2,000 50 kW stacks per year.
Q: What other project has Bramble Energy secured funding for?
A: Bramble Energy has secured funding for the development of fuel cell technology for a new hydrogen-powered double-deck bus.
Q: What partners are involved in Bramble Energy’s bus project?
A: Partners include Equipmake, Aeristech, and the University of Bath.
Q: What is the name of the bus demonstrator being developed by Bramble Energy?
A: The bus demonstrator is known as HEIDI (Hydrogen Energy Double-Decker Innovation).
Q: What impact has Bramble Energy’s progress had on the wider industry?
A: Bramble Energy’s progress reflects the industry’s efforts to improve the efficiency and scalability of fuel cell technology.
Q: What is the significance of the cost reduction in automotive fuel cells?
A: The significant reduction in cost positions the UK as a potential leader in fuel cell technology.
Definitions:
– Hydrogen fuel cell technology: A technology that generates electrical power by converting hydrogen and oxygen into water, producing electricity and heat in the process.
– Scale-up Readiness Validation (SuRV) program: A program under the Advanced Propulsion Centre that provides funding for projects aimed at developing and validating new technologies in the automotive sector.
– Fuel cell stack assembly: The process of assembling multiple fuel cells into a stack to increase the power output.
– Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell (PCBFC): A design by Bramble Energy that incorporates integrated membrane electrode assembly into unitized PCB modules, simplifying the fuel cell stack assembly process.
– Kilowatt (kW): A unit of power, equal to 1,000 watts.
– Megawatt (MW): A unit of power, equal to 1 million watts.
– Net-zero: Refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in global warming.
– Double-deck bus: A type of bus with two levels or decks.
– Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC): An organization that supports the development of low-carbon propulsion technologies in the UK automotive industry.
Suggested related links:
– Bramble Energy – Official Website
– Advanced Propulsion Centre – Official Website