Image credit: Jake Hilder Photography
For the third consecutive year, Loughborough University returns to the Festival of Tomorrow in Swindon – the home of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – led by EnerHy, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training for Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero.
EnerHy is back with ‘Fuelling the Future’ – an interactive clean‑energy exhibit designed for hands‑on learning. In line with the 2026 Festival theme, ‘Living in the Future’, the action‑packed festival spotlights the science, innovation and arts that will shape tomorrow, drawing on Swindon’s role as a national hub for research and innovation.
The EnerHy researchers will present to a wide range of audiences – from families with young children to older pupils exploring how school subjects can lead to net zero careers – at the Steam Museum on Thursday 18 February 2026, followed by the Grand Finale at the Deanery on Friday and Saturday 19–20 February 2026.
Two fast‑paced game challenges bring clean energy to life:
- Race against the clock in a Ballnado Grabber Machine to catch the most green hydrogen molecules in 30 seconds. The game illustrates how renewable energy splits water by electrolysis into hydrogen and oxygen.
- New for 2026, Hydrogen Roll & Bowl: roll, aim for green, and keep the carbon score low. The arcade‑style, two‑player game uses the hydrogen colour code to show that green – made with renewable energy from solar and wind – is the only production‑stage zero‑carbon route.
The exhibit also features hydrogen-powered model cars, chemistry ‘Lego’ and Loughborough’s world‑first technology that gives lead‑acid batteries a second superpower: converting renewable energy into hydrogen for clean cooking, while still delivering reliable electricity.
Among EnerHy’s students are second‑year chemistry researchers Joseph Clack and Steffi Shahi, who represented EnerHy at The Royal Society Summer Science on Tour at Jodrell Bank last summer. New to the team is astrophysicist Conn Murnin, who recently represented EnerHy at the Hydrogen Energy Association’s Parliamentary launch of the ‘State of the Hydrogen Nation’ report, who is designing radical new energy efficient wind turbines.
Professor Sandie Dann, EnerHy Co-Director and Professor of Materials Chemistry at Loughborough, said: “EnerHy researchers are tackling one of the most urgent challenges of our time – making green hydrogen and wind energy more affordable, scalable and sustainable. The Festival of Tomorrow is an ideal setting to engage the public, aid understanding and acceptance, and inspire future generations.”
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: “I am delighted to see Loughborough University and EnerHy’s cutting-edge work showcased once more at such a prestigious event. ‘Fuelling the Future’ reflects our strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inspiring the next generation to shape a net-zero world through advances in research. However, we also know that such advances also need explaining to the public, and the interactive nature of the exhibit is a testament to Loughborough University’s determination to engage all ages in the science that will transform all our futures.”
EnerHy is led by Loughborough in partnership with the University of Strathclyde and Cranfield University, with leading industry collaborators including BOC, Cadent, ESB, JLR, Caterpillar and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Public engagement is central to EnerHy’s mission, fostering understanding and support for the transition to a Net Zero future while inspiring the scientists and engineers of tomorrow.
Details on venues, timings and ticketing – with many events free to attend – will be available on the Festival of Tomorrow website. For more on how Loughborough University and its partners are accelerating the affordability, scalability and sustainability of hydrogen, visit the Hydrogen for Net Zero website.
