12.00-15.30 (GMT) Tuesday 18^th April, the University of Birmingham IEEE Student Branch visited Tyseley Energy Park.  Students toured innovative energy technology solutions for renewable heat and power, energy storge, clean transport fuels and advanced waste processing.

The visit began with a presentation by the Birmingham Energy Institute, which provided an overview of the latest research in renewable energy. The presentation covered a range of topics, including solar power, wind power, and hydrogen. The presenter also discussed the challenges facing the renewable energy industry, as well as interesting projects and solutions that were being undertaken to solve these problems.

After the presentation, the visitors had the opportunity to explore the museum, which showcased Webster and Horsfall’s various specialist wire and wire rope including wire for the first successful Transatlantic telegraph cable as well as wire used in the making of chocolate digestive biscuits, to hold the biscuits when they are dipped into the chocolate giving the chocolate digestive biscuits their unique ridged texture!

Next, the visitors were taken to the hydrogen storage station, where they were given an explanation of the technology used to store hydrogen. The guide explained that hydrogen is a promising alternative to fossil fuels because it can be produced using renewable energy sources and emits only water when burned or used to supply a hydrogen fuel cell. However, one of the biggest challenges in using hydrogen as a fuel is finding a way to store it efficiently and safely.

The visitors then had the chance to tour hydrogen vehicles. The guide explained that hydrogen vehicles emit only water vapor and produce no harmful pollutants, making them an attractive alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the high cost of producing hydrogen and the limited infrastructure for refueling are currently major obstacles to widespread adoption of this technology.

Finally, the visit concluded with a group photo to commemorate the event.  Overall, the visit to Tyseley Energy Park was an informative and engaging experience. The presentations and exhibits provided valuable insights into the latest research and innovations in renewable energy, while the tours of the hydrogen storage station and vehicles gave the visitors a first-hand look at the challenges and opportunities in this exciting field.

By David Li

Treasurer & Publicity Officer, UoB IEEE Student Branch