Latest news with #MenterMon
Business News Wales
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business News Wales
The Market for Green Hydrogen Is Already Taking Shape
Hydrogen has a clear role to play in the UK's net zero journey – and while its use in transport might still be emerging, it is already here and ready to scale. At Menter Mon, we're focused on producing low carbon and green hydrogen using clean electricity. Our work spans mobility, industry and energy, and we're proud to be developing the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub. The project is based on strong fundamentals: a reliable renewable energy source, space to grow, and clear local demand in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise. These are the conditions in which hydrogen can thrive – and Holyhead has them in abundance. We are going to produce hydrogen using a range of sustainable sources, including wind, solar, tidal and nuclear-backed power. That means we're able to deliver hydrogen that meets the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), helping bring fuel costs closer to those of conventional diesel or petrol. From our perspective, Holyhead represents an opportunity to demonstrate how these technologies can work in practice, in a way that benefits local businesses and communities. We know there is growing urgency around reducing emissions in transport. Battery electric vehicles will play a significant part in this transition, particularly for light vehicles and short-range uses. But for heavy-duty vehicles, plant, refuse trucks and maintenance fleets, hydrogen offers a credible and low carbon alternative – one that brings longer range and shorter refuelling times. And while it may not yet be widespread, it is by no means theoretical. We are already seeing hydrogen in use today across the UK and Europe. Ground support vehicles powered by hydrogen are operating in airport settings. New vehicle models are being brought to market by OEMs. Conversion technologies, such as those developed by ULEMCo Ltd, are opening up options for fleet operators who want to transition without replacing every vehicle. From a business development perspective, what's important now is making sure potential users of hydrogen understand the opportunity ahead of them. The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub is expected to be operational around 2028 or 2029, which gives a clear lead-in time for organisations to start preparing. Whether that means investing in new vehicles, exploring retrofits, or reviewing long-term fleet strategies, there is time to act. Cost is often raised as a barrier, particularly when looking at new technologies. But focusing solely on capital expenditure misses the wider picture. When fleet operators take a long-term view – looking at total cost of ownership, operational benefits, and increasingly, their own net zero obligations – hydrogen becomes a more compelling option. Supply chains are also beginning to factor in sustainability requirements, meaning there is a growing commercial incentive for businesses to adopt low carbon transport solutions. Menter Môn brings together local knowledge and national expertise, and we want to extend that approach to fleet operators, public sector buyers, and anyone else looking to explore hydrogen as part of their decarbonisation strategy. We're not just talking about fuel production – we're talking about building a practical, functioning ecosystem that supports adoption and use. Recent signals from government, such as the Hydrogen Allocation Round, suggest a growing recognition of hydrogen's potential. We welcome that support, and we're ready to match it with delivery on the ground. The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub is one of the first steps, but we see it as part of a wider movement, and one that we want to help accelerate. Hydrogen is not a distant solution. It's already here, and the infrastructure to support it is coming. The key now is to ensure that more businesses are ready to take advantage of it when it arrives.
Business News Wales
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Next Generation of Tidal Stream Turbine Blades to be Developed in Wales
A project being supported by the Welsh Government is aiming to develop the next generation of tidal stream turbine blades, with the potential to transform the tidal energy industry. It will see the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru, based in Broughton, team up with Menter Mon and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult's Welsh team to improve the efficiency, durability and overall performance of tidal energy blades. The project is one of five to receive a share of £1 million from the Welsh Government as part of the VInnovate programme, which is run by the Vanguard Initiative (VI) to promote collaborative innovation across industrial regions in Europe, with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Also involved in the project are two Galician firms – Magallanes Renovables, a marine renewable energy infrastructure manufacturer, and D3 Applied Technologies, a research organisation specialising in the fields of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. Andy Silcox, interim chief technology officer at the AMRC, said: 'Wales is already recognised as a trailblazer in the establishment of tidal energy sites, and a hub for cutting-edge marine energy research, contributing its extensive knowledge and experience. 'This collaboration between AMRC Cymru, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Menter Mon will create a strategic partnership among the regions of Wales and Galicia, bringing together a unique blend of expertise and innovation in the field of renewable energy. 'Supporting the design and development of the newest tidal turbine blades, the project will lay the groundwork for a lasting collaboration, driving future innovations and projects in renewable energy to contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.' More projects from Wales received funding in the 2024 VInnovate funding tranche than any other region. Welsh SME's and organisations are now being invited to apply for VInnovate 2025 funding. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'Wales' research and development sector is internationally renowned, with academia, industry and government working together to deliver big leaps in renewable energy innovation in particular. 'This culture of innovation has been championed and guided by our Wales Innovates strategy, laying the foundations for a green and prosperous future for Wales driven by collaborative innovation and new technologies that can have a real and lasting positive impact on every part of our society. 'I encourage organisations to seize the opportunities presented by programmes such as this to think big, collaborate internationally and further strengthen our innovation ecosystem and advanced manufacturing capabilities.'
South Wales Argus
29-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Project to create tidal stream turbine blades in Wales
The Welsh Government has backed the project in a bid to revolutionise the tidal energy industry. The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru, based in Broughton, has teamed up with Menter Mon and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult's Welsh team for this initiative. Their goal is to improve the efficiency and durability of tidal energy blades. This project is one of five in Wales which received a share of £1 million from the Welsh Government's VInnovate programme, intended to encourage innovative collaborations across industrial regions in Europe. The project also has the involvement of two Galician firms—marine renewable energy infrastructure manufacturer Magallanes Renovables and research organisation D3 Applied Technologies. Andy Silcox, interim chief technology officer at the AMRC, said: "Wales is already recognised as a trailblazer in the establishment of tidal energy sites, and a hub for cutting-edge marine energy research, contributing its extensive knowledge and experience. "This collaboration between AMRC Cymru, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Menter Mon will create a strategic partnership among the regions of Wales and Galicia, bringing together a unique blend of expertise and innovation in the field of renewable energy. "Supporting the design and development of the newest tidal turbine blades, the project will lay the groundwork for a lasting collaboration, driving future innovations and projects in renewable energy to contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape." More projects from Wales received funding in the 2024 VInnovate funding tranche than any other region. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said: "Wales' research and development sector is internationally renowned, with academia, industry and government working together to deliver big leaps in renewable energy innovation in particular. "This culture of innovation has been championed and guided by our Wales Innovates strategy, laying the foundations for a green and prosperous future for Wales driven by collaborative innovation and new technologies that can have a real and lasting positive impact on every part of our society."
