Matt is a Research Associate on LoCEL‑H2, a €10 million Horizon Europe Sustainable Energy Storage project working with communities in Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire to deliver reliable power and clean fuel where it matters most. His role is central to meeting key grant milestones towards commercialising the battery‑electrolyser.
The battery‑electrolyser combines energy storage and green hydrogen production in a single, recyclable lead‑acid unit. It delivers around 20 L/min of high‑purity hydrogen without membranes or rare metal catalysts. Full system testing was completed in July 2025, and the technology is now being commissioned in Malawi. A deployment in Côte d’Ivoire is planned for June 2026, where it will enable a remote village community to establish a restaurant as a new source of income.
Matt has been involved in developing the battery‑electrolyser since the outset. He successfully defended his PhD on lead‑acid battery‑electrolysers earlier this month and is part of the multidisciplinary team progressing the work at Loughborough’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST). The concept originated in a 2020–21 feasibility study undertaken during his MSc in Renewable Energy (Distinction), following his BEng in Chemical Engineering, both at Loughborough.
The battery‑electrolyser has since secured more than £12 million in funding and support from over twenty partners, leveraging major European funding, Innovate UK grants and regional development funding to accelerate scale‑up, automate manufacture and validate performance at 99% hydrogen purity.
Speaking about his selection, Matt said: “Sustainability is at the forefront of my work, research and interests. Throughout my education and research, I have been driven by a desire to reduce carbon emissions and create a more equitable future. I am very grateful to the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator for the opportunity to advance the development of the battery‑electrolyser through Conception X – we’ve come such a long way in six years.”
Matt’s PhD supervisor, EnerHy Centre for Doctoral Training Director and battery‑electrolyser project co‑lead, Professor Dani Strickland, said: “This is a proud moment for the team and particularly for Matt. What began as a quick‑look MSc feasibility study has grown into a robust, scalable platform with real‑world deployments. The Royce Hydrogen Accelerator and Conception X will help Matt deepen the entrepreneurial skills and networks that are essential to translating the battery‑electrolyser into impact.”
Through the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator partnership with Conception X, Matt has embarked on a nine‑month programme (March–November) providing deep‑tech entrepreneurial training, one‑to‑one and group coaching, access to expert networks across industry, investors and academia with legal support, regular showcases and community events, and the opportunity to take part in a Demo Day attended by potential investors and industry.
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, said: “This recognition follows perfectly from Matt’s PhD. He has also been a fantastic public engagement ambassador for Loughborough, taking part in a range of industry and outreach activities, including Pint of Science and the Festival of Tomorrow. All of us at Loughborough wish him all the very best as he embarks on the programme.”