Today, the Wolfson Foundation has announced the allocation of more than £14 million to various projects, including new research facilities and equipment, supported accommodation, science laboratories, hospices, and a virtual museum.
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These projects have been selected from over 70 capital grants awarded by the Foundation in their latest funding round. Established in 1955 by Sir Isaac Wolfson, the Foundation supports initiatives in the fields of science, health, arts, and education across all four nations of the UK.
The Wolfson Foundation is a separate charitable organization that provides grants to foster and advance excellence in the areas of science and medicine, health and disability, education, as well as the arts and humanities.
The University of St Andrews has secured a generous £2 million grant to support the advancement of green hydrogen technologies, which will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in the energy and chemical sectors.
Known as the Green Hydrogen Accelerator, this initiative will provide a dedicated space for cutting-edge research focused on the efficient production of hydrogen from water, as well as its utilization in energy storage and chemical manufacturing.
The facility itself will comprise an innovation hall, laboratory areas, and a secure compound that will house a large-scale electrolyser for green hydrogen production, along with carbon capture units. Spanning an impressive 400 square meters, this research facility will be constructed on a section of the University's Eden Campus, situated in Guardbridge, a mere three miles away from St Andrews.
The vision for the Campus is taking a major step forward with the £13 million project, which aims to transform it into the University's living lab for innovation. This ambitious endeavor will include a variety of facilities dedicated to the advancement of low carbon technologies for the next generation.
According to Derek Watson, the Quaestor and Factor of the University of St Andrews, the support from the Wolfson Foundation serves as a testament to the exceptional quality of the pioneering research conducted at St Andrews. In light of the global climate crisis, the world is actively seeking solutions, and the researchers at St Andrews are demonstrating how hydrogen can play a crucial role in addressing this challenge.
Professor John Irvine, who leads the University's efforts in energy storage and hydrogen production, emphasizes the significance of the Green Hydrogen Accelerator. This initiative will serve as a vital platform for showcasing the potential of hydrogen in shaping our future energy systems. By providing essential research and development space, it will expedite the progress of these innovative technologies.
Dr. Paul Webb, renowned for his Power to X initiative that utilizes hydrogen as a foundation for producing fuels and chemicals, emphasized the necessity of transitioning away from fossil fuels and exploring innovative methods to integrate a low-carbon energy system with carbon recycling for chemical production in order to achieve Net Zero targets. The establishment of the Green Hydrogen Accelerator will facilitate groundbreaking research into the generation of energy, fuels, and chemicals using only water, waste streams, and components of air. Furthermore, it holds the potential to develop carbon-negative processes that can offset emissions from sectors that are more challenging to decarbonize.
Paul Ramsbottom, the Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, stressed the urgency of decarbonizing everyday energy, industry, and transportation systems. He emphasized that long-term success in this endeavor relies heavily on conducting high-quality research and development in the coming years. The foundation is thrilled to support the establishment of this new infrastructure at St Andrews, as it will expedite the progress towards cleaner energy not only in Scotland but also beyond its borders.
Recently, The University of Liverpool also set to receive a significant enhancement in its nanoscale science capabilities, courtesy of an £800k grant from the Wolfson Foundation. This substantial investment will enable the University to acquire a cutting-edge instrument, revolutionizing research in crucial areas like advanced surfaces, materials, energy, and global health.
