Serco and Rux Energy Collaborate on Groundbreaking Hydrogen Storage Project Funded by Connected Places Catapult

At the Connected Places Summit today, Serco and Rux Energy have successfully completed a pioneering study aimed at revolutionizing hydrogen storage and distribution for the maritime sector and are pleased to announce the signing of MOU between Dr Jehan Kanga , Founder and CEO of Rux Energy and Michael Hayes, Transformation and Programmes Director of Serco. 

This innovative pilot study, funded by the Connected Places Catapult through the 2024-2025 UK Maritime Accelerator Programme, marks a significant step towards a sustainable hydrogen future.

Hydrogen, a zero-carbon emission power-fuel, can be produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity to perform a chemical reaction in water to separate hydrogen from oxygen.  Traditional hydrogen storage methods however, either involve extreme pressures to above 350 atmosphere of pressure, or cryocooling to extremely low temperatures of –263 degrees Celsius.

These traditional methods require significant additional amounts of energy and are hazardous, driving up costs at every step of the value chain. A recent Harvard University study highlighted that storage and distribution costs hydrogen can be up to ten times higher than production costs, posing a significant disincentive to widespread hydrogen use in maritime applications.

Rux Energy's breakthrough solution incorporates a patented advanced nanoporous materials, which fill the void of a tank, acting like a “sponge” for hydrogen molecules, increasing its density, allowing hydrogen to be stored at more moderate temperatures and lower pressures – increase energy efficiency and radically improving safety, at a fraction of the cost of traditional storage methods.

The UK-based techno-economic modelling study, conducted in collaboration with Serco, assessed the feasibility, cost, and infrastructure requirements of a localised hydrogen supply chain for maritime applications, using proprietary data shared by Serco regarding year-wide energy demand for three different classes of high-powered workboats operated by Serco, and data provided by Connected Places Catapult regarding counterfactual future fossil and e-fuels forecast costings. The study evaluated the local supply of green hydrogen, its storage, distribution, and utilisation for workboats in a port environment, and considered practical space and end-to-end supply chain issues, to establish high reliability of fuel supply. The findings confirm hydrogen's economic feasibility and operational integration as a cost-competitive alternative to marine diesel and confirmed its viability for crew transfer vessels and short sea vessel.

Michael Hayes, Transformation and Programmes Director from Serco said:

“Partnering with Rux Energy in the CPC Maritime Accelerator Trial has provided Serco with a critical understanding of how the local production of green hydrogen, its storage and its use could be leveraged to support opportunities across future workboat operations. This trial has highlighted key infrastructure challenges and potential efficiencies, helping us assess the feasibility of transitioning to hydrogen as a cleaner fuel. I see this as an important step towards presenting optionality for decarbonising our fleet, and I am excited about the possibilities this technology presents for the future of maritime operations."

Rux Energy UK Founder & CEO Dr Jehan Kanga said:

“This study, led by Rux Energy’s Head of Strategy Marius Bosch in collaboration with Team Serco UK, has helped us validate our own hydrogen storage technology potential, providing crucial evidence to support the commercial case for demonstration of our full scale 20ft-ISO containerised storage solution, which we call HARMONY, in a maritime environment. In Serco we’ve found proactive and supportive partner and this MOU we are signing today signifies the alignment and drive both companies have in helping the UK deliver on its decarbonisation and energy security objectives for its hardest-to-abate sectors.”

About Serco

As an impact partner to the Defence Enterprise, Serco is proud to have been supporting the Royal Navy since 1996, operating c.100 vessels from five sites around the UK as part of their Defence Engineering and Asset Management Business. They provide an end-to-end vessel provisioning service which includes vessel design and acquisition, technical management and operations of a varied fleet of new builds, legacy vessels, conversions and chartered vessels. Serco manage over 600 UK national, security-cleared mariners specialising in the Defence sector. They also provide technical management of vessels across the full asset lifecycle, and have delivered 33 new vessels, major life extensions and modification projects to date.

About Rux Energy

Rux Energy is at the forefront of hydrogen storage and distribution innovation, committed to enabling a sustainable hydrogen future. Through its breakthrough nanoporous materials and advanced hydrogen storage solutions, Rux Energy aims to overcome the barriers to hydrogen adoption, resolving efficiency, safety and cost challenges, and drive the transition to clean, low cost, safe and reliable energy in the maritime sector and beyond.