Hydrogen Innovation in the UK – Festival of Tomorrow 2026

Hydrogen Innovation in the UK

• Event & Location: The Festival of Tomorrow 2026 took place in Swindon, home of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

• Key Players:

  • Loughborough University

  • EnerHy (EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training for Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero)

• Exhibit: They showcased “Fuelling the Future”, an interactive clean‑energy exhibit designed for hands‑on learning. Visitors could explore hydrogen’s role in achieving net‑zero emissions through games, demonstrations, and science engagement activities.

• Audience Engagement:

  • Families and school students participated in activities like the Ballnado Grabber Machine, where players raced to catch “green hydrogen molecules.”

  • Older pupils learned how school subjects connect to net‑zero careers in engineering and sustainability.

  • The exhibit emphasized hydrogen as a future fuel source for transport, industry, and power.

• Festival Theme: “Living in the Future” — spotlighting science, innovation, and arts that will shape tomorrow. Hydrogen was positioned as a cornerstone of clean energy transition.

• Broader Context:

  • Hydrogen UK also announced partnerships with major clean‑energy events like All‑Energy 2026 in Glasgow.

  • The Hydrogen UK Awards 2026 will celebrate excellence and leadership in hydrogen innovation.

Why This Matters

• Hydrogen is seen as a key enabler for net‑zero goals in the UK.

• Universities and research centers are bridging science with public engagement, making clean energy accessible.

• The UK is positioning itself as a global leader in hydrogen innovation, combining academic research, industry partnerships, and public awareness.