Hydrogen is expected to play a critical role in the UK’s transition to net zero, particularly in difficult-to-decarbonise sectors such as industry, heavy transport and power generation. However, despite clear national ambition, significant challenges remain in scaling hydrogen technologies and building resilient domestic supply chains.

The Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster (GMEHC) is addressing this challenge by accelerating the development and adoption of electrochemical (green) hydrogen technologies across Greater Manchester. Funded by Innovate UK with £3.3 million and led by Manchester Metropolitan University, the project brings together academia, industry and government to support commercialisation, strengthen supply chains and build the skilled workforce needed for a future hydrogen economy.

Inspiration

The UK has committed to delivering 10 gigawatts of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030, with at least 6 gigawatts produced through electrolysis. Achieving this ambition requires rapid growth in the manufacture and deployment of fuel cells and electrolysers.

Globally, however, the hydrogen sector faces a shortage of companies across the supply chain. Many manufacturers need support to enhance existing technologies, while new entrants require access to research expertise, testing facilities and routes to market. Without targeted intervention, the UK risks falling behind international competitors in a market projected to be worth $8 trillion by 2050.

GMEHC was created to close this gap; helping companies understand their role in the hydrogen value chain, accelerating technology development and supporting the transition from research to real-world deployment.

Innovation and impact

GMEHC advances electrochemical hydrogen technologies through a combination of research, market development and capacity building. The project supports businesses to develop new products and services, access specialist facilities, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners to accelerate commercialisation.

Early results demonstrate strong momentum:

• 65 businesses supported
• £4.73 million in co-investment secured
• 10 new products or services in development
• Four major testbed partners engaged, providing real-world validation environments

Alongside technical support, GMEHC also connects SMEs directly with global supply-chain opportunities through a ‘Meet the Buyer’ hydrogen challenge with Bosch, helping businesses understand how their new and innovative capabilities can solve real commercial challenges, creating more structured pathways for collaboration and the confidence to invest.

By tackling both technical and commercial barriers, GMEHC is helping companies move faster from concept to market, enabling deployment in the UK and internationally while contributing to global net zero ambitions.

Customers and partners

GMEHC is delivered by a consortium of leading research organisations with world-class expertise in electrochemistry, materials science and applied innovation:

• Manchester Metropolitan University (lead partner)
• The University of Manchester
• Henry Royce Institute
• National Physical Laboratory

A defining feature of the programme is access to large-scale industrial testbeds, enabling technologies to be tested in realistic operating conditions. The four testbed partners – INEOS Group, Johnson Matthey, Drax Group and ZeroAvia, provide a vital bridge between innovation and deployment, giving businesses the confidence to invest, validate and scale.

Regional Collaboration

GMEHC is rooted in a place-based approach, aligned with Greater Manchester’s Hydrogen Strategy 2025-2030, its ambition to reach net zero by 2038 and its position as one of the UK’s most advanced low-carbon ecosystems. By fostering collaboration between universities, industry and the public sector, the project is strengthening regional capability while supporting national hydrogen ambitions, with a strong emphasis on skills development alongside technology innovation. The project will continue to build capability for many years to come with ambitions like creation of a national facility called Hydrogen Technology Electrolysis Cell Hub (HYTECH) which could provide full-spectrum capability to the UK, bolstering domestic supply chain and positioning the UK as a world leader in Hydrogen innovation.

Conclusion

The Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster demonstrates how targeted, place-based innovation support can accelerate emerging clean technologies while delivering economic growth. By helping businesses develop, test and commercialise electrochemical hydrogen technologies, GMEHC is closing the gap between national ambition and market readiness.

As the project progresses, continued investment and private-sector engagement will enable more companies to participate, strengthening regional capability and supporting the UK’s transition to a resilient, globally competitive hydrogen economy.