DarbyTech and Teesside University Develop Advanced Hydrogen Training System

DarbyTech has announced the development of a cutting-edge hydrogen training and research system created in partnership with Teesside University and two Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associates.
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The collaboration has resulted in the ModApp H2, a modular laboratory-based training rig designed to provide higher education students with practical experience in hydrogen technologies. The system is aimed at Level 5–7 learners, providing a hands-on platform that allows students to safely explore real-world hydrogen production and processing methods.

The ModApp H2 has been engineered to replicate key stages of the hydrogen production lifecycle, enabling learners to conduct experiments and develop a deeper understanding of emerging clean energy technologies.

Among its capabilities, the system supports experiments in ammonia decomposition, steam methane reforming, and methane combustion, as well as hydrogen separation through membrane and adsorption processes. The rig also demonstrates the full hydrogen lifecycle, allowing students to follow the process from hydrogen generation through to its application within a fuel cell system.

In addition, the platform enables advanced research into catalysis, providing valuable opportunities for students and researchers to study chemical reactions central to hydrogen production and energy systems.

DarbyTech says the project highlights the power of collaboration between industry and academia, combining research expertise with practical engineering to create a training platform capable of preparing students for careers in the rapidly growing hydrogen sector.

To demonstrate the capabilities of the new system, DarbyTech will be hosting a free webinar on 26 June 2025 at 3 PM, where attendees will be able to see the ModApp H2 in action.

The session will include a live demonstration of the rig, along with insights from DarbyTech’s KTP Associate and Managing Director, who will discuss the development process and the role of practical training in addressing the growing demand for hydrogen and clean energy skills. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the team behind the system and learn how the ModApp H2 can support teaching, research and skills development within the hydrogen and clean energy sectors.