Liverpool-based DefProc Engineering has earned a place among just ten North West companies selected for this year's Hydrogen Innovation Challenge, organised by Sustainable Ventures.
The Hydrogen Innovation Challenge, hosted by Europe’s leading climate tech hub, Sustainable Ventures, unites trailblazing innovators and established businesses across the North West of England to drive progress toward a low-carbon economy.
DefProc Engineering, a multi-disciplinary design firm, entered the challenge with its innovative Smart Gas Pressure Sensor. This technology, developed for Northern Gas Networks (NGN), monitors low-pressure gas supply at NGN’s Low Thornley site, near Gateshead. If testing and trials are successful, the sensor could be rolled out to homes and businesses across Yorkshire, the North East, and Cumbria.
As part of the programme, DefProc Engineering will receive tailored support throughout the year, including the chance to present its Smart Gas Pressure Sensor at an innovation showcase, aimed at engaging potential partners and regional end-users.
The Hydrogen Innovation Challenge aims to connect DefProc Engineering with a broader network of gas distributors, all seeking to decarbonise their networks through cutting-edge innovations.
Jen Fenner, managing director and co-founder of DefProc Engineering, said:
“The Hydrogen Innovation Challenge is an incredible opportunity to showcase our capabilities as end-to-end design engineers and a market-leading innovation partner.
“We’ve worked on some revolutionary projects in recent years, and the support from the Hydrogen Innovation Challenge will allow us to present these to a wider network of potential clients and make a tangible difference to the future of sustainability.”
In addition to the Smart Gas Pressure Sensor, which works with natural gas, blended hydrogen supply, or 100% hydrogen, DefProc Engineering has also developed the UK’s first low-cost domestic hydrogen sensor, H2Go. Created in collaboration with the EIC, Northern Gas Networks, and Wales and West Utilities, H2Go resembles a traditional smoke alarm in both appearance and operation. It will serve as the foundation for the manufacture of domestic hydrogen sensors in the future.
Lee-Ann Perkins, Sustainable Ventures’ Hydrogen Programme Manager, added:
“Through the Hydrogen Innovation Challenge, we're empowering startups to lead the charge in the UK's energy transition, providing the tools and partnerships to bring innovations to market.”
Earlier this year, DefProc Engineering was also selected as one of five pioneering UK businesses to take part in the Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator Programme, organised by Digital Catapult. This eight-week initiative, the first of its kind, aims to advance the UK’s hydrogen technology strategy.