Three years on: How SHINe’s members are fast-tracking hydrogen innovation

09 October 2026 | 3 minute read

SHINe launched in October 2023 to help accelerate hydrogen innovation, by connecting companies with the resources and expertise they need. Since then, our members have turned ideas into evidence, supporting innovators with testing, manufacturing, investment and infrastructure development.

We have seen significant activity from our members over the last three years that will help new innovators to de-risk new products and bring them to market.

Across our 24 members, we have seen the strongest activity in testing and demonstration. From safer electrolysis solutions to high-pressure storage vessels, our members are collaborating with innovators to help them integrate into the Scottish hydrogen industry.

This article highlights just some of the capabilities built or supported by our members since SHINe’s launch.

Testing and demonstration

The University of Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) research, test, and demonstration site is helping to de-risk hydrogen innovations and initiatives. 

Within a week of SHINe’s initial launch, the site already reached a significant milestone with its new Wardpark hydrogen testing facility. This included the opening of new real-world testing and validation facilities for hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies.

Meanwhile, another SHINe member, the University of Glasgow’s Hydrogen Innovation Centre, opened in June 2025. Since then, the site has provided facilities for early-stage hydrogen start-ups. Innovators can use the site to design, build, and test prototype devices. It provides access to lab and testing space, equipment and expertise from the University.

Advanced facilities to test and demonstrate new hydrogen innovations can also solve barriers such as hydrogen production, safety, and transportation. For example, Clyde Hydrogen has used Glasgow University’s Hydrogen Innovation Centre to develop its decoupled hydrogen production solution. This innovation provides a modular, transportable production container that ensures hydrogen and oxygen cannot mix.

Clyde Hydrogen tested its safer production solution using Scotland’s testing facilities. Its technology represents a breakthrough for simplifying the path to hydrogen deployment, making the fuel more accessible for businesses looking to decarbonise.

We have also seen new testing provisions from Impact Solutions. The organisation has developed bespoke hydraulic test capability for hydrogen tank innovations. The facility helps to test storage solutions at pressures of up to 2,800 bar, improving the ability to store and transport hydrogen. 

Across our members, we are also looking forward to seeing the new testing facilities set to open in the future. Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) has selected TÜV SÜD to operate a new pioneering test facility in Aberdeen. The project expects to reach final investment decision in 2027. It will become a globally important test and demonstration site.

SHINe is continuing to leverage our members’ capabilities to position Scotland as an attractive place for hydrogen innovators to invest. Our members are taking on new projects, testing and refining new initiatives, and creating technologies fit for the future.

SHINe’s members are also leading in strengthening the wider energy system, building grid resilience, increasing energy security, and simplifying hydrogen production.

For example, the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), completed a tidal power, battery storage and hydrogen production trial in Orkney. The EMEC project is a global first that has helped to solve some of the industry’s biggest barriers to hydrogen deployment. 

Tidal power supplies a hydrogen electrolyser and a battery system during peak generation times. The electrolyser uses this stored electricity to keep the system running. The project effectively smoothed out the cyclical nature of tidal energy and overcomes grid constraints in coastal areas.

Manufacturing, investment and infrastructure development

Our members have also been supporting new initiatives with funding and innovation support for infrastructure and demonstrator development. The support helps businesses to take advantage of Scotland’s abundant renewable energy resources.

In 2025, green aircraft engine developer ZeroAvia announced that it would establish a major manufacturing base in Scotland, creating around 350 jobs. ZeroAvia is establishing the new Hydrogen Centre of Excellence next to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), another SHINe member. 

NMIS as an innovation partner is helping to boost ZeroAvia’s efforts, providing world-class innovation, research, and build support.

ZeroAvia will use the site to develop and manufacture hydrogen fuel cells for small electric planes, which could be in operation by 2028.

The firm has also received investment from the Scottish Government and the Scottish National Investment Bank. ZeroAvia’s decision to build its manufacturing base in Glasgow recognises Scotland’s wealth of resources, innovators, and development partners.

The James Hutton Institute is also a SHINe member. They lead the HydroGlen initiative, a hydrogen research and demonstrator project. After securing investment from the Just Transition Fund, the green-hydrogen farming demonstrator is now aiming to complete construction this year.

This innovative project provides access for businesses to explore how farming communities can become self-reliant using green hydrogen. The concept is scalable and replicable, providing a solution for rural communities as they prepare for the energy transition. 

2025 was a great year for hydrogen infrastructure development, particularly across our member base. PowerHouse is the skills and innovation section of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF). Last year, PowerHouse delivered a research project examining how to use direct ammonia to reduce maritime fuel emissions. 

Meanwhile, Forth Green Freeport secured UK Government Full Business Case approval in November 2025 for its Port of Leith-based shore-power demonstrator. The project is set to become the world’s first green hydrogen shore power demonstrator. It will integrate water treatment, waste heat utilisation, and hydrogen production to provide clean shore power for maritime operations. 

Training

SHINe’s member base has also been supporting with the development of skilled jobs to strengthen the future hydrogen supply chain. Bright Green Hydrogen has been recruiting for staff to help expand its H100 Fife Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and public-engagement programme. 

The programme provides hydrogen and renewables lessons to 3,499 pupils across 11 primary schools. The team are recruiting for officers to expand the programme, to deliver workshop, events, demonstration activities, and education contracts.

Turning ideas into evidence

We have seen some great progress advancing new innovations and decarbonising old ones through work involving SHINe’s members. We look forward to witnessing further breakthroughs and milestones across Scotland, as hydrogen becomes a key fuel for the future.