The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched two new Centres of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to advancing green hydrogen and electric vehicle (EV) technologies. These centres operate entirely on renewable energy generated onsite, combining solar and wind systems with battery storage, ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply.
The centre for green hydrogen features an integrated microgrid comprising solar panels and wind turbines that directly power electrolysers for on-site hydrogen production. This facility offers a scalable, zero-emissions model for hydrogen generation. While, the EV-focused centre supports research and development in battery technologies and smart charging systems. It includes testing facilities for evaluating EV performance under diverse conditions, including integration with renewable-powered microgrids—contributing to the development of high-efficiency, all-terrain EVs. Both centres rely on hybrid renewable systems that combine solar PV, wind energy, and battery storage to deliver continuous, reliable power. These systems enhance resilience against grid disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted progress in research and innovation.
Beyond technological development, the centres serve as hands-on platforms for learning and experimentation in renewable energy integration and smart energy management. They enable real-time testing of innovations like bidirectional charging, electrolyser optimisation, and smart grid controls – laying the groundwork for next-generation clean energy networks. Through these efforts, IET is setting a precedent for self-reliant, renewably powered research hubs, significantly contributing to the acceleration of clean energy adoption and long-term sustainability in the transportation and energy sectors.
