The Hydrogen Innovation Challenge, organised by Sustainable Ventures—Europe’s leading climate tech hub—brings together innovators and established businesses from the North West of England to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Smart Gas Pressure Sensor breakthrough
DefProc submitted its Smart Gas Pressure Sensor for the challenge. The sensor, developed for Northern Gas Networks (NGN), monitors low-pressure gas supply at NGN’s Low Thornley site near Gateshead. If testing and trials prove successful, it will be rolled out to consumers across Yorkshire, the North East, and Cumbria.
As part of the challenge, DefProc Engineering will receive one-on-one support throughout the year and will have the opportunity to present the Smart Gas Pressure Sensor at an innovation showcase to potential partners and regional end-users. The goal is to connect DefProc with a wider network of gas distributors aiming to decarbonise their networks through innovative solutions.
Jen Fenner on the opportunity
Jen Fenner, managing director and co-founder of DefProc Engineering, commented:“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.”
H2Go and future domestic hydrogen sensors
In addition to the Smart Gas Pressure Sensor, which works with natural gas, blended hydrogen supply, or 100% hydrogen, DefProc Engineering has developed the UK’s first low-cost domestic hydrogen sensor, H2Go, for the EIC, Northern Gas Networks, and Wales and West Utilities.
H2Go, which resembles a traditional smoke alarm, will serve as the foundation for future manufactured domestic hydrogen sensors.
Empowering startups in the hydrogen sector
Lee-Ann Perkins, Sustainable Ventures hydrogen program 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 UK businesses for the Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator Programme with Digital Catapult, an eight-week initiative designed to advance the UK’s hydrogen technology strategy.
Image: DefProc Engineering