The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) has been awarded Best Thought Leadership at this year’s Hydrogen UK Awards in Birmingham—recognising its role in advancing the UK’s hydrogen economy through the pioneering HyDEX initiative.

Presented by Vernon Kay, the award celebrates organisations that are shaping the future of hydrogen through innovation, collaboration and influence. For ERA and its partners, it marks a significant milestone in positioning the Midlands as a leading centre for hydrogen development.

Accelerating hydrogen from ambition to delivery

Led by Keele University and delivered in collaboration with eight Midlands universities, HyDEX brings together academia, industry and policymakers to accelerate hydrogen deployment at scale.

The programme is focused on closing the gap between research and real-world application. Since its launch, it has supported more than 30 collaborative R&D projects, leading to the development of new hydrogen technologies and clear pathways to commercialisation.

Enabling innovation and industry growth

A key strength of HyDEX lies in its ability to support businesses. Through access to £111 million of hydrogen demonstration infrastructure, companies are able to test and validate technologies across areas such as energy, transport and heating.

Alongside this, the programme’s tailored innovation support has helped organisations navigate technical, regulatory and commercial challenges—accelerating progress from concept to market.

Building skills and shaping policy

HyDEX is also playing a vital role in developing the UK’s hydrogen workforce. More than 2,500 people have engaged with the programme, with targeted training helping to equip individuals with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving energy system.

Its impact extends into policy and strategy, with research and insight informing national and regional decision-making. By providing evidence-based guidance, HyDEX is helping to create the conditions for long-term hydrogen deployment and investment.

A collaborative model for the future

Collaboration sits at the heart of HyDEX. Initiatives such as cross-sector networks and regional events are bringing together experts from across the hydrogen value chain—fostering knowledge exchange and driving collective progress.

Looking ahead, this approach is being scaled through ambitious plans for a large-scale Hydrogen Valley, further strengthening the Midlands’ position as a hub for clean energy innovation.

A milestone for the Midlands—and the UK

Winning the Best Thought Leadership Award reflects the growing influence of ERA and HyDEX in shaping the UK’s hydrogen landscape. It also highlights the Midlands’ emergence as a centre of excellence for hydrogen innovation and deployment.

As the UK continues its journey towards net zero, HyDEX offers a compelling example of how collaboration, research and industry can come together to deliver real-world impact—turning ambition into action and laying the foundations for a sustainable energy future.