Navigating hydrogen adoption for net zero

The Net Zero Innovation Adoption User Journey Framework is a practical roadmap designed to guide individuals and organisations on their journey towards adopting hydrogen innovations and technologies to support their wider Net Zero objectives. Many organisations struggle to navigate the complexities of adopting hydrogen for Net Zero, unsure of where to start or how to proceed. The Net Zero Innovation Adoption User Journey Framework seeks to change that.

Hydrogen adoption and diffusion

Whether you are a business, local authority, researcher or policymaker, the Net Zero Innovation Adoption User Journey Framework offers valuable insights to those interested in Net Zero innovation to enhance their understanding and contribute to ongoing discourse on the role of hydrogen in achieving a sustainable future. From initial knowledge gathering through to piloting solutions, each step is designed to support users no matter what stage they are at in their innovation adoption journey.

Developed by Innovate UK Business Connect, this 8-step framework outlines the key stages we recommend end users to follow to effectively adopt and implement hydrogen innovations and technologies to support the UK in reaching Net Zero.

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    This initial stage marks the beginning of the user’s journey towards adopting hydrogen. Here, individuals or organisations become aware of the potential of hydrogen in addressing their net zero challenges. They begin to explore the concept and its relevance to their work.

    Reflective questions:

    • How does hydrogen align with our net zero goals and organisational objectives?
    • What are the drivers in exploring hydrogen solutions for our net zero journey?
    • What additional information or expertise do I need to fully grasp the implications of adopting hydrogen?
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    At this stage, individuals or organisations explore the practical uses of hydrogen. They explore the different areas where hydrogen could effectively be used and evaluate its advantages. This exploration may include researching hydrogen-powered transportation, exploring hydrogen for heating solutions or innovative applications in renewable energy.

    Reflective questions:

    • Where in our operations could hydrogen technology be effectively applied?
    • What metrics can we use to evaluate the success of integrating hydrogen technology into our processes?
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    At this third stage, organisations should look to conduct a thorough assessment of the feasibility of implementing hydrogen solutions. This includes evaluating technical requirements, economic viability, and regulatory considerations to determine the practicality and potential challenges associated with hydrogen adoption.

    Reflective questions:

    • Is hydrogen right for my organisation? Consider what technical, economic, and regulatory factors should be considered when evaluating its feasibility for you.
    • Are there specific risks or barriers that could impact the successful implementation of hydrogen solutions within our organisation?
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    Organisations initiate a pilot project to test the feasibility and performance of hydrogen solutions in a controlled environment. This stage allows for the collection of empirical data, identification of scalability factors, and discovery of any unforeseen challenges or opportunities.

    Reflective questions:

    • What specific objectives do we aim to achieve through the pilot project, and how will we measure success?
    • What potential risks or barriers should we anticipate during the pilot phase, and how can we mitigate them?
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    At this critical stage, individuals or organisations affirm their commitment to integrating hydrogen innovations into their operations. This involves developing a detailed roadmap outlining specific objectives, timelines, resource allocations, and stakeholder responsibilities. This roadmap serves as a guide, ensuring a structured approach towards successful integration.

    Reflective questions:

    • What resources are needed to smoothly transition from piloting to full integration of hydrogen solutions?
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    Once the commitment is made in the adoption stage, users transition to implementation. Here, they turn plans into action by deploying projects at scale. This involves actively monitoring key performance indicators and making adjustments as needed to optimise the benefits of hydrogen technology for achieving Net Zero objectives.

    Reflective questions:

    • What systems or processes should be in place to monitor and optimise the performance of hydrogen solutions during implementation?
    • How can we encourage innovation and continuous improvement in our use of hydrogen?
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    In this phase, the organisation seeks to scale up the adoption of hydrogen technology and share knowledge and best practices with others in the sector. This may involve developing case studies, hosting workshops or webinars, and participating in industry forums to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.

    Reflective questions:

    • How can we effectively communicate our successes and lessons learned to others in the industry?
    • Are there opportunities for partnership or collaboration to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen innovation?
    • Sign up to our Hydrogen Supply Chain Directory for opportunities to showcase your learnings with other end users. Innovate UK Business Connect can facilitate knowledge transfer and introductions for users of the directory.
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    This final stage involves ongoing efforts to drive innovation and improvement in hydrogen integration. It includes activities such as gathering feedback from users, monitoring performance metrics, and exploring new technologies or approaches to optimise and enhance hydrogen solutions.

    Reflective questions:

    • How can we leverage feedback and data to identify areas for improvement in our hydrogen solutions?
    • What emerging technologies or trends could enhance the effectiveness of hydrogen in the future?
Navigating Net Zero: Understanding the Role of Hydrogen
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Navigating Net Zero: Understanding the Role of Hydrogen

For further insights and expertise, we encourage you to participate in our upcoming hydrogen adoption webinar series. Register now to dispel common misconceptions around hydrogen and learn more about its role in reaching Net Zero.

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Georgia Aristide-Oke

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Georgia Aristide-Oke

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