We see hydrogen as a potential new wave oil and gas, and we are committed to supporting the growth and development of this market in the UK and worldwide.
Those were the words of Jake Martin, Commercial Manager for Hydrogen at Chesterfield Special Cylinders (CSC). The UK-based high-pressure gas containment specialist revealed in early July that it had signed a five-year Framework Agreement with Shell Hydrogen to supply hydrogen storage cylinders for use at refuelling stations across Europe.
Read more: CSC signs framework agreement with Shell
The agreement is based on ground storage solutions, required for safely and efficiently storing hydrogen at high pressure, with CSC having developed a highly effective solution for Shells hydrogen refuelling station needs.
It marks the latest step in CSCs own journey in pressure vessels, having been manufacturing cylinders for over 100 years. The company is a recognised global specialist in this field, supplying safety-critical products to demanding standards across a diverse range of global markets, including defence, oil and gas, power generation and space exploration.
Specialist knowledge and expertise are required for hydrogen to realise its vast potential as nations seek to build and expand green transport networks and drive lower emissions. That knowledge and expertise is held by specialists like CSC.
Some of the very first cylinders we manufactured were used in compressed hydrogen gas applications, says Martin in an exclusive interview with H2 View. Today, the growing hydrogen energy sector is one of our most exciting markets.
Our product is not simply a cylinder, but rather a complete engineered solution to the challenges of storing hydrogen at high-pressure. We develop the solution from initial design through First Time Engineering (FTE) into manufacture and continue to support performance through-life with our world-class Integrity Management service. Periodic in-situ inspection is carried out in line with demanding international standards using advanced inspection techniques and our many years of experience. This integrated approach helps provide the highest level of assurance needed for safety-critical hydrogen storage and fuelling applications.
H2 View
So when did this zest for hydrogen first begin? Our hydrogen focus started over two years ago with in-depth market research and detailed technical studies to understand the needs of system developers and operators in the nascent industry, Martin explains. The placement of two major projects for bus refuelling infrastructure signalled our first commercial success and this was further cemented with subsequent contracts for retail sites serving both cars and HGVs.
Working closely with our customers and partners at the front end to define an optimal high-pressure storage solution is fundamental to meeting the technical and commercial requirements of the end-user or operator. CSC has already developed and supplied hydrogen storage systems rated in excess of 700 bar for refuelling infrastructure within Europe, and has now formulated a highly effective solution with Shell.
We expect that carefully developed and tested standard designs will help facilitate and accelerate market growth by making it easy for potential developers and operators to specify integrated solutions and invest in new infrastructure. This approach has been fruitful so far and our project pipeline and order book continue to grow on the basis of continued collaboration with customers.
Exciting development
Its latest announcement with Shell is indeed one of those collaborations.
It comes at a time of significant progress in hydrogen markets, particularly in Europe with the official launch of the keenly awaited EU Hydrogen Strategy. In fact, CSCs partnership with Shell Hydrogen came just hours after that watershed announcement from the European Commission.
Read more: EU unveils hydrogen strategy
Read more: Biebuyck hails ambition of EU hydrogen strategy
It is no secret that this is a very exciting development for CSC. This contract demonstrates our ability to provide a high-quality solution for Shell and its progressive refuelling station strategy, Martin enthuses.
Growth in the hydrogen energy market is a strategic focus for CSC and our parent company, Pressure Technologies plc. We see hydrogen as a potential new wave oil and gas and we are committed to supporting the growth and development of this market in the UK and worldwide. Our proven expertise has given us the opportunity to work with other pioneers in this field and I am proud that our team has been able work with Shell Hydrogen. We look forward to the further collaboration ahead.
H2 View
Shell became the first branded fuel retailer to sell hydrogen at one of its retail sites in the UK in 2017 a significant year for the company when it comes to hydrogen as it became a founding member of the Hydrogen Council and also published a report into hydrogens future potential and has since grown its network of hydrogen stations across Europe and North America to encourage the adoption of hydrogen in transport systems.
With a flourishing footprint of hydrogen projects around the world ever since and territorial differences in standards, Shell needed a specialist partner to provide a precise, highly reliable and versatile technical solution. This is perhaps what makes its agreement with CSC stand out beyond the headline details of the tie-up; a lot of hard work and expertise has gone into the development of CSCs new ground storage solutions, and Martin acknowledges their significance going forward.
Our technical knowledge and expertise are key to our business and the integrity of our products, regardless of the market or application, and we continue to contribute our knowledge and stay up-to-date through our role on key international standards committees, he says.
As an example of this activity, CSC co-wrote the British and EU standards that govern periodic inspection and testing of cylinders in the field. With respect to the Shell Framework Agreement, the process of becoming approved for such a contract has been a year in the making. Working closely with Shell to define a solution was critical for the EU market; technical teams from CSC and Shell worked closely to establish the design parameters and have in turn helped formulate highly effective solutions for Shells EU stations.
For any application across sites worldwide, he adds, CSC will determine the most appropriate standard in line with the customers requirements. The driving parameters might be weight, cylinder dimensions, gas capacity or cyclic loading. From these parameters, we are able to optimise the design to provide the most efficient solution possible.
H2 View
A key term here is standardisation. There is consensus that standardisation or even harmonisation is key to enabling a product or a market to truly grow as hoped and expected, with Martin noting that the hydrogen market in particular has historically been relatively fragmented.
Standardisation of a product is vital in a market that is seeing such growth. The hydrogen market has historically been relatively fragmented, with many smaller integrators defining what is needed for a specific project. Scalability is not easily achieved in such cases.
The Framework Agreement contains a scalable modular design for ground storage. Backed by Shells pedigree in the energy sector, I believe that this framework agreement outlines a safe and highly effective solution for potential developers and operators. It is easier to do business if the technical due diligence has already been completed, in this case by Shell and CSC.
Next challenge
Asked if CSC knows where these solutions will be deployed under the agreement, Martin explains that he cannot directly comment, but does affirm that the framework agreement covers the EU and UK.
This brings us back to the topic of Europe and the tipping point position that the region finds itself in with hydrogen. As already described, news of the agreement came after a historic few days for hydrogen in Europe, with the European Commission unveiling its keenly anticipated hydrogen strategy aimed at decarbonising hydrogen production and expanding its use in sectors where it can replace fossil fuels.
Martin acknowledges the excitement and sense of opportunity that this creates for a company like CSC and so many others. These are exciting times for us all, he says. Not just for those businesses who are working to deliver on the new strategy but for society in general, given clean air and climate change are such important issues.
The advent of such a compelling announcement in the form of the EUs hydrogen strategy should mean businesses will start gearing up to push this change. CSC and our parent company Pressure Technologies plc are proud to be supporting this movement.
Hopefully, this change will herald more investment to support innovation and facilitate the development of hydrogen into a major part of Europes energy strategy.
H2 View
In closing, the thought is very much on meeting the expected demand ahead as a result. Does this present a challenge for CSC, albeit a welcome one? I see various challenges and opportunities ahead. Demand will rise, given the prospect activity that we see in both the US and EU; we have been investing in our operations to meet the demand in these areas, Martin suggests.
In this rapidly moving market, we are keen to demonstrate how our products can fit the wide range of customer projects and storage configurations. Our Type 1 steel cylinder solutions are more suited to static storage than Type 3 or 4 composite, where weight is less of an issue. Periodic inspection, revalidation and life extension are also easier to achieve on Type 1 installations.
CSC and our partners have worked very hard to produce safe and reliable hydrogen fuelling systems to mirror the forecourt experience that conventional vehicle fuelling is based upon.
He adds, Our strategy of providing through-life support to the end-user for pressure vessels will continue to be developed, both commercially and technologically, to provide the product assurance the market needs.
See the article here:
This is a very exciting development for CSC - H2 View
- About Us - Life Extension [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2016]
- Real Life Extension: Caloric Restriction or Intermittent ... [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Bruce Power invests millions in maintenance | The London Free Press - London Free Press [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Extension Spotlight: The importance of a good education | Life ... - NRToday.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- From Confines Of Russia, Controversial Stem-Cell Surgeon Tries To Weather Scandal - RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Volm Companies' Matt Alexander Talks Light-Blocker Half-N-Half Bags - And Now U Know [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Plymouth warship HMS Argyll sets sail again after 20-month refit - Plymouth Herald [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 'Orphan Black' Final Season Premiere Date Set at BBC America - Yahoo TV (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Radical Life Extension Is Already Here, But We're Doing it ... [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Biotechnology xpert Jamie Metzl addresses realities of genetics revolution, Feb. 9 - Vail Daily News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- ATS Automation Tooling Systems' (ATSAF) CEO Anthony Caputo on Q3 2016 Results - Earnings Call Transcript - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Weslaco ISD Students Re-Stripe Crosswalk to Promote School Zone Safety - RGVProud [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- There is No Limit to Human Life Extension - Futurism [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Weaving the practice of self-compassion into your life - Michigan State University Extension [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Italian company competes for $16B US Air Force jet trainer contract - Dayton Daily News [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Human Life Could Be Extended Indefinitely, Study Suggests - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- DARPA hits snag in GEO satellite service plan - Network World [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- My Mother is 100. She Does't Need Andrew Weil's 'Healthy Aging' You do - The Good Men Project [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Orbital ATK Sues DARPA Over Satellite-Repairing Robots | Inverse - Inverse [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Double-blind, randomized crossover study of intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- SRS's Melter 2 to be replaced | News | northaugustastar.com - The Star [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- The Next Pseudoscience Health Craze Is All About Genetics - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- These Serious Marathoners Lived 19 Years Longer Than Average - Runner's World [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Why Do People Want to Live So Long, Anyway? - TIME [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- How Silicon Valley Is Trying to Hack Its Way Into a Longer Life - TIME [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Major South African coal extension project on cards South32 - Creamer Media's Mining Weekly [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- When Screening for Disease, Risk is as Important to Consider as ... - University of Virginia [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- John Killebrew: Honoring a life of service - Delta Farm Press [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- No limit to how long we could extend our lives, say researchers - EWN - Eyewitness News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Extension: Taking care of the rocks in your life - Lifestyle - The ... - Carthage Press [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Long life expectancy for Leopard [IDEX17D3] - IHS Jane's 360 [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- A UO lab digs into worms in the quest to lengthen human life - AroundtheO [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- L3 MAPPS to Supply Digital Control Computer System Hardware for Bruce Unit 6, Supporting Life Extension and ... - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant... [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Kambalda faces future with no nickel output - The West Australian [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- L3 MAPPS to Supply Digital Control Computer System Hardware for ... - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers (press release)... [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- This Company With Anti-Aging Drug Is Secretly Preparing For Trump's New FDA - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Weather Radar in Amarillo Gets Upgrade - Guymondailyherald [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- PACKAGING INNOVATIONS 2017: Anti-microbial absorbent pads ... - WorldPressOnline (press release) [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- A business case for wind farm lifetime extension - Windpower Engineering (press release) [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Mount Tam With Anti-Aging Drug Is Secretly Preparing For Trump's New FDA - ValueWalk [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Derek Carr passionate about Silver and Black: 'I'm a Raider for life' - The Mercury News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Bruce Power Life Extension Project On Top - Bayshore Broadcasting News Centre [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Derek Carr on Contract Extension: I'm a Raider for life - Just Blog Baby (blog) [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- How this Baltimore company is using AI to make supplements smarter - Technical.ly Brooklyn [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Rio cut takes the shine off Argyle - The West Australian [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Bruce Power Life-Extension Program ranked top infrastructure project of 2017 - southwesternontario.ca [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- Metformin And Rapamycin: Signs Of (Extended) Life? How To Monetize? - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- Il-76 flown beyond service life before fatal engine explosion - Flightglobal [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Your Questions About Silicon Valley's Quest to Live Forever, Answered - The New Yorker [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Cormorant, Griffon upgrade projects get new lift - Skies Magazine (press release) [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Garoppolo wants to play, open to extension - ESPN [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Refixia (nonacog beta pegol; N9-GP) approved - GlobeNewswire (press release) [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- New life breathed into decades-old dream of a Cavendish extension ... - Montreal Gazette [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Some JSTARS aircraft could fly into 2034 - Flightglobal [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Cormorant, Griffon upgrade projects get new lift - Vertical Magazine (press release) [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- The Ugly: Post #3 on the NNSA's FY2018 Budget Request - All Things Nuclear [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Kincardine Company To Add Jobs To Support Bruce Power - BlackburnNews.com [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- Latin American sisters in US 'build bridges' during 'challenging time' - Catholic News Service [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- Modernizing Nuclear Deterrents No. 1 Priority, DoD Officials Tell ... - Department of Defense [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- EXTENSION CORNER: It's crucial for producers to know how to manage weeds - Gadsden Times [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- Robot Bina48 Makes a Guest Appearance at 'Stitch and Bitch' - Seven Days [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2017]
- Patriots WR Julian Edelman's father would love his son to be "a Patriot for life" - Pats Pulpit [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2017]
- Orphan Black: 3 Major Revelations From the Season 5 Premiere - TV Guide (blog) [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2017]
- GARDENING: Harvest tomatoes before the birds do - Odessa American [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2017]
- 'Orphan Black' Season 5 Premiere Recap: Life is Tough on and off the Island - BuddyTV (blog) [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2017]
- Griffon helicopter replacement not in the cards for the Liberals anytime soon - Ottawa Citizen [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2017]
- DFI Marketing uses new post-harvest technology with melon exports - The Packer [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- Elio Motors Given An Extension To Bring Its Three-Wheeled Vehicle ... - Jalopnik [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- Rec tax extension moves closer to November ballot - West Life News [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- Bioverativ announces FDA acceptance of Investigational New Drug ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- Charlie Gard: European Court orders life support extension - BBC News [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- Extension Spotlight: Are you ready to preserve the harvest? | Life ... - NRToday.com [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- The Case of the Missing Numbers - All Things Nuclear [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Hacking the human lifespan / Boing Boing - Boing Boing [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- CNO Richardson: Perry Frigates Only Inactive Hulls Navy Considering Returning to Active Fleet; DDG Life Extension ... - USNI News [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- USAF seeks to expand F-16 life-extension program - Quwa - Quwa Defence News & Analysis Group [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2017]
- Baker proposes $500M life sciences extension - Worcester Business Journal [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2017]
- Life Extension News | March 2017 Issue | Life Enhancement ... [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2017]
- Pop-culture-palooza - Mountain View Voice [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2017]
- Kids experience a day in the life of a scientist - Scottsbluff Star Herald [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]