Middlesbrough-based H2CHP, a spin-out from Durham University, has secured a six-figure cash injection to advance its free-piston engine, which generates heat and power efficiently from multiple clean fuels.

TRICAPITAL Angels led the £600,000 investment raise to support H2CHP, alongside Sustainable Venture and funding from Aberdeen’s Net Zero Technology Centre TechX accelerator programme.

This funding will be combined with £1.3 million in support from Innovate UK to develop prototype generators and conduct industrial trials.

The technology, initially aimed at eliminating emissions from idle ships burning marine fuel when berthed, also has significant potential in other sectors requiring off-grid power solutions.

H2CHP now plans to establish a manufacturing base in Aberdeen alongside a control systems team in Edinburgh to further the development of this transformative technology, creating a number high-value jobs in Scotland.

UK government figures have highlighted shipping as a major source of air pollution, accounting for 12.7% of the country’s overall nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

H2CHP aims to support the maritime industry’s transition from fossil fuels. Its DEI Free Piston Combined Heat and Power technology replaces diesel generators onboard vessels with 100% renewable fuels.

The H2CHP generator has the ability to switch seamlessly between liquid and gaseous fuels during operation. This flexibility allows it to operate on the most cost-efficient fuel available, achieving both cost savings and significant carbon reduction.

Additionally, the generator is 60% smaller and 25% lighter than a conventional internal combustion engine generator, making it ideal for space-constrained environments such as vessels.

Moray Martin, CEO of TRICAPITAL Angels, said: “H2CHP represents a major opportunity to support the maritime sector in its transition to a clean energy future.

“TRICAPITAL Angels is proud to back this exciting and innovative business, which has strong potential for international scale, manufacturing, and job creation, contributing to the UK economy.”

The technology has been developed by Professor Tony Roskilly, an energy systems expert with three decades of experience in designing, controlling, and optimising energy solutions.

Professor Roskilly holds the Chair of Energy Systems at Durham University, serves as Director of the Durham Energy Institute, and represents the UK in the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA).

The H2CHP leadership team also includes:

• Dr Stephen Hampson, an experienced energy CEO with 20 years of venture capital expertise, appointed as lead at H2CHP;
• Dr Niall McGlashan, a researcher specialising in hydrogen energy systems; and
• Michael Bath, a seasoned executive with leadership experience in the aerospace and energy sectors.

Dr Hampson said: “H2CHP’s innovative technology is poised to revolutionise clean energy solutions for the maritime industry and beyond.

“By leveraging cutting-edge research and strategic investment, we’re tackling critical global challenges like emissions reduction while creating opportunities for UK-based manufacturing.”