The launch of a pioneering collaboration between Coventry University Group and India’s Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is set to reshape the future of hydrogen transportation, a critical component in the global shift towards cleaner energy. This joint venture is not just about advancing technology; it’s about tackling one of the most pressing challenges in the hydrogen economy: the safe and efficient movement of this clean energy source. The stakes are high, and the potential impact is immense.
Hydrogen has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to net-zero emissions, but transporting it is fraught with technical difficulties. Hydrogen Embrittlement (H₂E) is a significant hurdle, where hydrogen atoms infiltrate metals like steel, iron, and nickel, compromising their structural integrity. This can lead to brittleness, cracking, and even catastrophic failures in pipelines and containers. It’s a problem that has long plagued the industry, and it’s one that this new collaboration aims to solve using the power of artificial intelligence (AI).
Researchers at Coventry University’s Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) and the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems (CALPS) are joining forces with VIT experts in engineering and digital manufacturing. Their mission? To develop innovative, AI-driven methods for the safe, cost-effective storage and transportation of hydrogen. By utilising generative AI, the teams aim to model and predict material behaviour under hydrogen exposure, enabling the design of more resilient transport systems. This is not just about incremental improvements; it’s about a paradigm shift in how we think about and handle hydrogen.
Funded through the prestigious British Council UKIERI (UK-India Education and Research Initiative), this two-year initiative, running until 2026, is more than just a research project. It’s a strategic global partnership that strengthens international academic ties and focuses on real-world applications of hydrogen in future transport and energy systems. Leading the project are Dr Arivazhagan Anbalagan, Assistant Professor in Digital Manufacturing at Coventry University, and Dr Margret Anouncia S, Professor of Software Systems at VIT. Their vision is clear: to create transformative solutions that support global hydrogen adoption.
Dr Anbalagan emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating, “As hydrogen becomes a key clean energy focus, developing safe, cost-effective storage and transportation is crucial. Using AI to predict and prevent hydrogen embrittlement will aim to enhance storage and transportation system’s safety and reliability.” He further added, “Our team at Coventry University is excited about working with VIT colleagues. This project will significantly aid both countries’ net-zero carbon efforts. We’re prepared for this two-year journey to foster research collaboration and innovation and strengthen educational ties with VIT through PhD studentships and joint BSc/MSc courses.”
The success of hydrogen transportation is vital for scaling up green energy solutions across sectors like aviation, shipping, automotive, and heavy industry. Safer hydrogen logistics will accelerate the deployment of fuel cell technologies, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and industrial decarbonisation. This partnership is more than a research milestone; it’s a crucial step toward a sustainable future powered by hydrogen. Innovations stemming from this project could set new global standards for how hydrogen is stored and moved, helping to unlock its full potential in the green energy landscape.
For nations striving for net zero, breakthroughs in hydrogen transportation could well be the game-changer. This collaboration between Coventry University and VIT is not just about advancing technology; it’s about paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. It’s about challenging norms, sparking debate, and driving the energy sector towards a greener horizon. The journey is just beginning, but the potential impact is already clear. This is not just a step forward; it’s a leap into the future of clean energy.
