FLEXIS is a consortium of five strategic partners – Cardiff University, Swansea University, The University of South Wales, Neath Port Talbot Borough Council and Tata Steel UK. Funded to the tune of £24m, with just over £15m from the European Regional Development Fund via the Welsh Government, the vision of the 5-year project is to achieve a resilient, affordable, secure energy system across Wales with the potential for global application.
FLEXIS aims to de-risk decarbonisation by enabling low carbon transport, integrating renewables into the grid and developing reliable means of carbon capture and storage. Its unique approach models energy flows and uses social science expertise to understand public perception of new energy technologies.
FLEXIS is comprised of 8 Research Themes with integrated research, development and innovation activities spanning across 18 work packages under these themes. The University of South Wales work is focused under the theme CymruH2Wales2 – Hydrogen and Fuel Cells which includes the following work packages:
- WP5 Hydrogen Energy Storage
- WP6 Sustainable Production and Purification of H2 Rich Gases
- WP7 Hydrogen and Syngas: Efficient Use
FLEXIS is applying its research to a physical site based in Neath Port Talbot. Real data from the area’s energy producers and consumers, including the local community, Tata Steel Port Talbot and local industry as well as the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm, is modelled to work out how to integrate, store and supply smart, clean energy.
FLEXIS is contributing academic expertise to Neath Port Talbot Borough Council’s roadmap for a low carbon smart future. The scope of the demonstration area makes it the largest multi-vector demonstration region in the UK.
For further information go the FLEXIS website.
