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Mark Lawday addressing the State of the Hydrogen Nation event

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Policy certainty essential to unlock UK hydrogen demand, says Luxfer Gas Cylinders at Hydrogen Energy Association’s Parliamentary launch

A pivotal moment for the UK's energy future, Luxfer's Mark Lawday tells Westminster audience at 'State of the Hydrogen Nation' event.

Building confidence in delivery is a decisive factor in unlocking the UK’s hydrogen economy, stated Mark Lawday, Vice President of Luxfer Gas Cylinders, as he addressed innovators, policymakers and industry leaders at a Westminster launch this week.

Organised by the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA), the Parliamentary event marked the unveiling of its ‘State of the Hydrogen Nation’ report, which revealed that demand is now the key factor holding back the industry, rather than hydrogen production capacity.

Mark Lawday addressed guests including MPs and civil servants, stating that while the UK has “the skills, manufacturing base and innovation to lead in hydrogen”, progress now depends on coordinated, predictable delivery that gives businesses the certainty to invest, scale and commit long‑term capital.

He said: “To unlock the full potential of hydrogen, industry needs confidence. Confidence that the UK hydrogen economy will be supported to grow consistently and predictably.

"Policy certainty will allow companies, like Luxfer Gas Cylinders, to keep investing. That means expanding our manufacturing at our UK sites, bringing more cylinder production here, strengthening our supply chains and creating more jobs in our local communities.”

Mark’s comments echo the report’s central finding that demand — not supply — is now the biggest constraint on deployment, with 81% of organisations seeking offtakers saying demand is difficult to secure, and 60% of potential end‑users finding hydrogen hard to integrate.

Drawing on more than 25 years in hydrogen systems engineering, Mark outlined how Luxfer engineers developed the first 700‑bar composite cylinders in the sector, and has since pioneered high‑pressure storage, modular transport systems, alongside ‘virtual pipeline’ solutions.

In his speech, Mark highlighted how, as the UK scales hydrogen production through upcoming allocation rounds, the ability to move hydrogen safely from where it’s produced to where it’s needed becomes fundamental to market growth. It’s a gap the HEA report also identifies as a key barrier to Final Investment Decisions.

Responding directly to this challenge, Luxfer’s UK engineering team developed the transformational G-Stor® Hydrosphere – a 40‑ft MEGC system capable of transporting around one tonne of hydrogen using fewer cylinders and connections, improving efficiency and reducing operational complexity.

And the organisation is continuing to innovate. Mark added: “Across our Nottingham and Manchester facilities, Luxfer Gas Cylinders employs around 600 colleagues, with roughly 10% working on hydrogen programmes spanning electrolysis coatings, high‑pressure storage, mobility systems and bulk transport solutions.

“We’ve produced thousands of hydrogen-powered fuel systems, including marine vessels, ground equipment, construction vehicle, trucks - and buses that are journeying across the streets of London as we speak. These projects demonstrate what’s possible when innovation is matched with forward-looking and consistent policy – so that’s what we ask of government today.”

Luxfer Gas Cylinders was a sponsor of the launch event for the HEA’s State of the Hydrogen Nation report on Tuesday 27 January 2026. The study also revealed:

- 84% of organisations expect their UK hydrogen investment to increase or remain stable in the next 12 months.
- With current policy, 3,800 UK hydrogen jobs are expected by 2030.
- With greater certainty and coordinated delivery, that could rise to 17,000 jobs — more than a four‑fold increase.

The full HEA report is available here.

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Future-proofing the gas industry – Luxfer’s Sally Jollands describes her ambitions as Chair of the BCGA Future Leaders Committee

The newly appointed Chair of the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA)’s Future Leaders’ Committee (FLC) has been named as Luxfer’s Global Key Account Manager, Sally Jollands.This influential group champions innovation and knowledge-sharing among emerging leaders in the gas industry. We spoke to Sally about her vision for the committee, her career journey, and what this appointment means for the future of the sector.

Congratulations, Sally! Firstly, please tell us a bit about your career history?After studying French and Spanish at the University of Nottingham, I initially worked in translation, but quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I moved into sales and joined Luxfer Gas Cylinders in May 2018 – and I’ve loved working here ever since. I’ve since progressed from Inside Sales Manager to my current role as Global Key Account Manager. My degree hasn’t completely gone to waste though, as I love brushing up on my languages when I chat to our French and Spanish-speaking clients.

How did you first get involved with the BCGA Future Leaders Committee?I’ve been engaged in the BCGA since I attended my first conference about five years ago, and I was fortunate enough to receive a special mention in the BCGA Rising Star Award in 2023. I joined the Future Leaders Committee when it was launched, around three or four years ago. At first, meetings were occasional, but over time the committee developed. When the previous Chairs stepped down, I saw it as an opportunity to develop my career, share what we do at Luxfer and be an ambassador for young people in the gas industry – so I applied.

What was the process to become Chair?It’s quite structured. You submit a statement answering questions, provide your background, and then have your application countersigned by a BCGA member. Following that, I was invited for an interview, which went well. As a result, I was recommended to the BCGA council and officially appointed in late 2025.

What are your priorities as Chair?The committee’s purpose is to futureproof the gas industry. Many experienced professionals are approaching retirement, so it is important that we are continually transferring knowledge to the next generation.My primary goal is to launch a mentoring programme to pair future leaders with experienced professionals. This way their knowledge, skills and passion can continue to thrive for generations to come.I also hope to ensure at least one member of the FLC sits on each of the BCGA’s ten technical sub-committees. This will be an important step to ensure the next generation have input and understanding of the industry regulations. Having visited association conferences in other parts of the world, I think there are opportunities to build stronger links with associations like the CGA, EIGA, and perhaps to even support the Middle East Gas Association to set up their own FLC.

How has mentoring impacted your own career?I ‘have a mentor at Luxfer, and it’s been invaluable to share my experience and receive insights and guidance. I want others in the industry to access that same support. The plan is to pair future leaders with experienced gas professionals based on the type of training or experience they’re looking to tap into.

So, what makes a great future leader in this industry?Someone motivated to drive change, progress within their company, and help the industry thrive. It’s about curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to learning.For anyone under 45 or new to the gas industry, I’d encourage you to get involved with the FLC and see where it can take you.

What’s next for the Future Leaders Committee?It’s full steam ahead as I’ll be chairing the first FLC meeting of 2026 at the end of January, and we’re already developing the agenda.We’ll hold two online meetings and one in-person meeting at the BCGA conference each year. I’m also keen to showcase case studies of people who have succeeded in the industry, so members can learn from real experiences.

Luxfer congratulates Sally on this achievement and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will make on the industry’s future. For more information on the FLC see: https://bcga.co.uk/future-leaders-committee/

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Luxfer Gas Cylinders wraps up a year of volunteering and fundraising with festive toy collection

Luxfer Gas Cylinders has rounded off a year of charitable initiatives with a Christmas toy collection for the Salvation Army, capping nearly 200 hours of volunteering and multiple fundraising events throughout 2025.

Employing more than 200 people at its Colwick site, the East Midlands manufacturer champions a culture of care and generosity through a formal volunteering programme, which gives employees paid time off to support charitable causes.

This year, colleagues rolled up their sleeves at Stonebridge City Farm and Gardens – a free-to-visit urban farm in Nottingham that relies on donations and volunteers to provide care for animals and educational fun for local children. The Luxfer team helped paint fences, move equipment, install signage, and restore the vital community space.

Green-fingered volunteers also supported Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, tackling weeding, clearing paths, and gardening at the iconic Grade I listed estate.

Most recently, Luxfer employees turned their attention to education, spending a day at Carlton Infant Academy to assist with school activities and games for children aged four to seven.

Alongside volunteering, Luxfer employees raised funds and awareness for causes close to their hearts. Highlights included:

• Collecting almost 40 toys for the Salvation Army to bring festive cheer to disadvantaged children• A 17-strong Luxfer crew completed a Tough Mudder challenge, with almost £1,000 in entry fees funded by the business• More than £100 raised through ‘Football Shirt Friday’ and a further £250 thanks to a bake sale for Breast Cancer Awareness• Senior staff shared personal stories for Movember, while wellbeing was promoted during Stress Awareness Week, with NHS advice and stress-relief giveaways shared company-wide.

Visitors to the Colwick site contributed too, donating to the ‘charity cylinder’ in the foyer – with Luxfer matching contributions to raise £300 for local causes. In addition, £1,750 was awarded by the organisation to support employees’ own personal charitable endeavours.

Katherine Rubin, Head of People and Culture at Luxfer Gas Cylinders, said: “This year our colleagues really went above and beyond to donate time, fundraise, bake cakes, buy toys and more, to make a difference to others in our local community.

“It was humbling to see so many individuals get involved, with a range of good causes reaping the benefits and thousands of pounds generated.

“Our paid volunteering scheme continues to be a fantastic way of giving back to causes we care about on our doorstep in Nottingham. A huge thank you goes to everyone at Luxfer for this year’s efforts, and to our partner charities who worked with us. We can’t wait to continue our fundraising and volunteering activities in 2026.”

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Building a greener future: Luxfer and PlusZero Power join forces for hydrogen trial with Balfour Beatty

Hydrogen salt spreaders in Scotland - equipped with Luxfer G-Stor® Pro Bundles - help deliver up to 28% reduction in carbon emissions in landmark Balfour Beatty project

In a powerful demonstration of how partnerships are paving the way to net zero, Luxfer Gas Cylinders, together with hydrogen specialists PlusZero Power have supported Balfour Beatty adopting green hydrogen as an alternative low carbon fuel.

Retrofitting heavy vehicles for hydrogen power

At the heart of the collaboration was a trial retrofitting three HGVs - two gritters and one Impact Protection vehicle - with dual fuel hybrid hydrogen technology. They operated during the 2024/25 winter on Scotland’s M77 GSO network.

PlusZero Power - the company responsible for delivering green hydrogen to Balfour Beatty’s depot south of Glasgow - commissioned Luxfer’s alternative fuel team to help. This resulted in its innovative multiple cylinder package (MCP), the G-Stor® Pro Bundle, providing the vital hydrogen storage and transport capability for the dual-fuel fleet.

The trial supported Balfour Beatty’s move to alternative low carbon fuel as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy. Hydrogen technology was of particular interest for larger, heavier vehicles and plant, which are unlikely to be able to run off from a battery due to the power demands of the equipment and the lack of grid capacity.

Balfour Beatty sees retrofit as a good way to test the technology and learn about hydrogen usage, whilst still allowing its vehicles to run fully on diesel if required. This approach also offers the opportunity for the hydrogen industry in Scotland to grow steadily yet rapidly, allowing meaningful reductions to be made while hybrid or fully hydrogen vehicles and plant become available through the supply chain.

Road-testing a bespoke on-site mobile refuelling solution

Benefits of the trial included a 28% reduction in vehicle emissions during a critical winter maintenance period. And it also delivered valuable insights into the practical deployment of hydrogen technology on a live, constrained road operation and maintenance depot – from storage efficiency and safety, to logistical design and commercial viability.

For PlusZero Power, the project aligns with its own mission to enable practical decarbonisation for its clients – drawing on the decades of experience from Luxfer engineers for a hydrogen storage solution fit for purpose.

“Balfour Beatty needed to trial a lower-risk, lower-emission solution using hydrogen-diesel dual fuel vehicles,” explains David Amos from PlusZero Power. “The vehicles can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to diesel alone. They’re a great transitional technology for companies not yet ready to go fully electric or hydrogen.”

To fuel the trial, PlusZero Power supplied green hydrogen produced by Aberdeen City Council’s ACHES facility and delivered it to site using Luxfer’s G-Stor® Pro Bundle – a composite cylinder pack offering a significantly higher gas capacity than the steel manifold packs previously used.

Smarter gas storage equals safer construction sites

Gas storage and site safety were paramount for Balfour Beatty. “Using the Luxfer G-Stor® Pro Bundle meant we could deliver much more hydrogen with a lower total weight and smaller footprint,” says David. “Each pack carried 44kg of hydrogen compared to just 17kg in steel options – all while being 400kg lighter. That had a huge positive impact on site logistics, frequency of deliveries and overall safety.”

The G-Stor® Pro Bundles’ composite build and horizontal cylinder layout offered further advantages. “It’s a lower-profile unit, which is more stable in transport and on-site,” David adds. “And fewer vehicle movements on site means reduced risk – something Balfour Beatty was very conscious of.”

The bundles from Luxfer Gas Cylinders were connected to a portable hydrogen refueller, which then filled the dual-fuel HGVs. “The system worked well overall,” says David. “And it has been really valuable to gather learnings along the way. With Luxfer, we have a proactive partner who is open to taking feedback on board and designing a system that will meet the specific needs of the project.

“From the very first gas fill, the Luxfer team was on-site, observing the process. They immediately identified that the valve placement could be improved, and set to work to optimise it. That responsiveness is exactly what you want in a partner. Luxfer’s R&D team clearly values real-world insights – and that gives us confidence as a customer.”

This specific trial – which is part of Balfour Beatty’s M77 Hydrogen Project - has now concluded, with the full findings published here.

Balfour Beatty intends to use the vehicles again for the 2025/26 winter season, to allow more intense testing of the equipment and further data collection.

Angela Pllu, Senior Environmental Sustainability Manager at Balfour Beatty, explains: “We are keen to develop our learning and understanding about hydrogen. Solutions like the G-Stor® bundles really help make hydrogen a more feasible option for our tightly constrained sites.”

Building the hydrogen ecosystem, together

The relationship between PlusZero Power and Luxfer Gas Cylinders is set to grow too.

“We’re already in discussions about two major construction projects, including one in the Western Isles of Scotland,” reveals David. “Those sites will have much higher hydrogen demand, so we’re looking at Luxfer’s larger G-Stor® Hydrosphere solution. We’ll need 20-foot or even 40-foot MEGCs to meet daily power needs, and Luxfer has the technology to do that.”

While financing such infrastructure can present a challenge, Luxfer’s G-Stor® hydrogen storage portfolio offers flexibility. David adds: “It was advantageous that Luxfer supported us with short-term rental options for the G-Stor® Pro Bundle and they are working hard to create viable leasing models for larger assets. That commercial agility – paired with their willingness to collaborate and adapt – makes them a standout supplier.”

Projects of this nature form part of a broader shift across the UK construction sector. With government policy, industrial targets, and client demands all driving decarbonisation, hydrogen is rapidly becoming a serious contender for temporary power and vehicle fuel on construction sites.

“Balfour Beatty – and other major firms in the industry – are investing time and money into understanding hydrogen’s potential,” says David. “From gritters to diggers, refuelling to remote generation, a construction-site hydrogen ecosystem is emerging. The sector will need safe, efficient storage – and that’s where Luxfer comes in.”

As for why PlusZero Power sees Luxfer as a long-term partner? “It’s not just about the product – though quality matters, of course,” concludes David. “It’s the relationship. They’re not the cheapest, but they are the most collaborative and customer focused. And when we’re talking about assets that could cost millions over the coming years, that makes all the difference.”

Key results of the trial with Balfour Beatty

The key performance results from the trial are shown in the table below:

While the IPV appeared to use relatively low rates of hydrogen, this still had a good impact in the overall efficiency of the vehicle, although more intense trials are required during winter 2025/26 to understand if this is the case.

Enabling hydrogen into the future

Luxfer Gas Cylinders Europe Vice President and General Manager, Mark Lawday, is conscious of the challenges faced by operators seeking to use the clean fuel, and the projected demand for clean hydrogen by 2030, estimated at 12 to 18 metric tonnes per year globally based on current pipeline of publicly announced projects.

“The takeaway is that with such increased anticipated volumes of hydrogen production, transporting the gas to where it’s needed – safely, cost effectively and efficiently – is fundamental to the entire ecosystem” said Mark. “And, with the G-Stor® portfolio, Luxfer Gas Cylinders is pioneering solutions that advance hydrogen storage capabilities and enable clients to harness hydrogen’s potential.”

Find out how our G-Stor® Pro Bundles can help to power your green projects here

G-Stor Hydrosphere high capacity hydrogen storage solution

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Luxfer Gas Cylinders partners with Reynolds Logistics to support HyHaul hydrogen corridor

Luxfer Gas Cylinders has been commissioned to supply its high-capacity hydrogen storage systems to support the UK’s first dedicated hydrogen mobility corridor along the M4.

As part of the Hydrogen Aggregated UK Logistics Project (HyHaul), specialist bulk liquid and gas transport company Reynolds Logistics will deploy Luxfer’s G-Stor® Hydrosphere Multiple Element Gas Containers (MEGCs).

The 40ft MEGCs have been chosen for their pioneering 380 bar hydrogen storage and significant 1012kg hydrogen capacity. Manufactured at Luxfer’s bespoke Nottingham facility, these units allow for the most efficient transport of hydrogen, designed with fewer cylinders, valves and connections than was previously possible.

HyHaul, led by Protium and supported by over £30 million in Department for Transport (DfT) and Innovate UK funding, will bring together leading technologies in sustainable logistics. The project will deploy 30 hydrogen fuel cell HGVs along the M4 corridor, supported by three new hydrogen refuelling stations.

“Luxfer is pleased to partner with Reynolds for the supply of our G-Stor® Hydrosphere MEGCs,” said Mark Lawday, VP and General Manager at Luxfer Gas Cylinders. "HyHaul is an important demonstration of how advanced hydrogen transport solutions can be applied to enable adoption at scale.”

Andrew Reynolds, CEO at Reynolds Logistics, adds: “This partnership with Luxfer is a cornerstone of our commitment to enabling the hydrogen economy. By investing in MEGCs, we’re securing critical infrastructure for HyHaul and ensuring our logistics model is future-ready, flexible, and aligned with the UK’s net-zero ambitions. We look forward to expanding this positive partnership as the HyHaul project rolls out.”

HyHAUL is funded by the UK Government through the £200 million Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme. It aims to deploy 30 hydrogen-powered HGVs by 2026, with a long-term goal of expanding to 300 vehicles by 2030.

The G-Stor® Hydrosphere is available from Luxfer Gas Cylinders in 20-ft, 40-ft and 45-ft units. For more information visit: https://www.luxfercylinders.com/product/g-stor-hydrosphere/

To learn more about Luxfer Gas Cylinders’ alternative fuels portfolio, visit: https://www.luxfercylinders.com/market/alternative-fuel/

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Breaking down barriers: Apprenticeship programmes in Engineering and Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry faces a critical challenge – according to Make UK, more than a quarter of manufacturers expect to lose 10% of their workforce to retirement in the next five years. Katherine Rubin, Head of People and Culture at Luxfer Gas Cylinders, explains why apprenticeship programmes are vital to addressing talent shortages while promoting diversity, driving innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Apprenticeships offer people of all ages the opportunity to launch or boost their careers in a wide range of industries. They combine education with hands-on experience, helping individuals gain valuable skills while contributing to business objectives. Government statistics show that there were 736,500 people participating in apprenticeships in England in 2023/24, with Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies accounting for 14.4%. This demonstrates the growing recognition of apprenticeships as a viable and dynamic career pathway.

Building skills to future-proof businesses

By investing in apprentices, companies can develop bespoke skills that align precisely with their operational needs. Like many companies across the UK, at Luxfer we require a certain set of skills. While our award-winning apprenticeship programme – two former apprentices have been recognised with awards from the British Compressed Gas Association (BCGA) – offers insight into the whole process, from cylinder manufacture and design, to marketing and HR, it is ultimately designed to equip participants with that desired skillset alongside technical expertise. This approach reduces dependency on external hiring and ensures a seamless transfer of knowledge from an experienced workforce to the next generation.

One of the greatest advantages of this method is the ability to address the acute skills gap in high-demand technical roles. Many sectors, including maintenance, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, struggle to find qualified candidates with the right skills and expertise. Designing apprenticeship programmes in line with this ensures that apprentices are equipped with the exact skills needed, building a robust and resilient workforce and ensuring those completing the programme are job-ready from day one.

The value of mature apprentices

Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers – mature apprentices bring life experience, resilience, and a fresh perspective to teams. While 23% of apprenticeship starts in England in 2023/24 were by those under 19, nearly half (48%) were aged 25 or older.

At Luxfer, shifting the apprenticeship joining age to 18+ allowed the introduction of shift work alongside mentors, contributing to improved retention and performance. Currently, all our apprentices have embraced the opportunity with a strong work ethic and a hunger to learn.

Their life experiences have accelerated their progress, showcasing how valuable mature apprentices can be. One former apprentice, now excelling in machine controls and drives, has taken on a pivotal role in continuous improvement projects – a testament to the growth potential apprenticeships can offer. In fact, we have 100% conversion for all trainees into permanent, full-time roles, with 6 apprentices joining permanently since 2020.

Encouraging diversity

Women remain underrepresented in many technical roles, including maintenance and engineering. While female apprentices made up 52% of all starts in 2023/24, they accounted for only 17% in the engineering and manufacturing sector. These numbers highlight the need for industry as a whole to strive to ensure equal opportunities for all, ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on talent and potential.

While our business does not see a barrier for young women applying, we recognise that more can and should be done to inspire not only women, but people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to explore technical career paths.

What makes a great apprentice

By combining classroom learning with real-world application, apprenticeship programmes cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. They enable participants to learn to think critically, develop practical solutions, and gain the confidence needed to innovate, not only preparing them for their roles at individual organisations but also contributing to the broader industry’s evolution. By working alongside experienced professionals, they learn how to navigate challenges, contribute to projects, and collaborate effectively, building a strong foundation for long-term success.

However, central to ensuring that apprentices emerge as well-rounded professionals, equipped with all the skills needed to excel in their chosen fields, is finding the right candidates from the start. Regardless of industry, the key defining characteristic of a great apprentice is attitude. Those who approach tasks with enthusiasm, who are willing to learn, who take feedback constructively, and who are not afraid to ask questions, tend to thrive.

Apprenticeship programmes break down barriers, making opportunities accessible to individuals from all walks of life. By embracing diversity – whether in age, gender, or background – these programmes help fill skills gaps while enriching businesses with fresh perspectives and untapped potential. When companies invest in apprenticeships, they are not only securing their own futures but also contributing to a more equitable and innovative industry for all.

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Exceptional Engineering: Crafting Excellence in Manufacturing

Luxfer Gas Cylinders has been operating for over 80 years and has sites across the globe. With over 70 million Luxfer cylinders in use worldwide, the we continue to set industry standards in alternative fuels, aerospace, life support, and more. We have been recognised across the industry for a number of awards, cementing our company’s reputation as a leader in aluminum and composite gas cylinder technology and innovation. Here is a round up of awards the company and our team have been honored with since 2022:2022UK Regional: East Midlands Business Masters – Winner (International Trade)UK National: BCGA Outstanding Team - WinnerUK National: BCGA Rising Star Apprentice – WinnerUK National: Energy Awards – Finalist (Physical Technology of the Year: Oil, Gas and Fuel Cell)International: World Hydrogen Awards – Finalist (Hydrogen Industrial Application)2023UK Regional: Made in the Midlands – Finalist (Manufacturing Innovation)UK Regional: East Midlands Business Masters – Winner (Medium Business of the Year)UK National: BGCA Outstanding team - WinnerUK National: BGCA Rising Star Apprentice – WinnerUK National: Make UK Manufacturing Matters – Runner-up2024:UK Regional: Make UK Innovation Regional Award – Winner (Midlands and East)UK National: MX The Manufacturer Product Innovation Award – Winner2025:UK National: Make UK National Innovation Award – WinnerAchieving recognition across a number of awards in our industry is a fantastic achievement for our skilled, talented and dedicated team. These accomplishments reinforce the fact that our high-performance people, diverse product offering and industry-leading innovations are making an impact and helping to shape a safe, clean and energy-efficient world.

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Luxfer Gas Cylinders welcomes industry expert to drive global growth.

“Joining Luxfer feels like coming home,” says new commercial leadership appointee and BCGA President Chris Street

A gas industry expert has joined Luxfer Gas Cylinders as its Global Director of Sales, Aluminum Cylinders– thanks to a longstanding and deep-rooted connection with the UK-based manufacturer.

Chris Street, who also serves as President of the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA), not only brings extensive experience to his new role, but has the added benefit of having been a customer of Luxfer himself when he owned a gas business nearly 20 years ago.

It is a unique journey for the specialty and calibration gases expert, following a distinguished career spanning over 40 years; he started his journey as an engineer, followed by senior roles with leading gas companies. In 2006 Chris acquired his own successful specialty gases business, Scientific and Technical Gases (StG) – growing the team from 6 to 72 employees in eight years.

Chris has proudly been a champion of Luxfer Gas Cylinders throughout his career. “I have travelled to over 60 countries in this industry, and no matter where I go, everyone knows Luxfer makes the best cylinders. I believe the quality of the gas is only as strong as the cylinder that holds it, and Luxfer’s products have proven, time and again, to be the gold standard in reliability and performance.”

His passion for the company goes beyond merely the professional, though. “I have always had a deep emotional connection to Luxfer. When StG was in a tough spot, Luxfer supported us through a critical supply shortage, and that’s something I’ll never forget. It cemented my admiration for the company and means that this role, to me, is the perfect blend of head and heart. Luxfer is an exceptional company with a world-class range of products, and I’m honored to contribute to its next chapter.”

Reflecting on his appointment, he says: “Joining Luxfer feels like coming home. My ambition is to strengthen our core aluminum cylinder business, explore new markets, and ensure the company remains the benchmark for excellence in the industry. The focus will be on being bold, agile, and always putting our customers first.”

In his role as BCGA President, Chris is also passionate about bringing fresh and diverse talent into the sector. “The BCGA’s Future Leaders Program is all about encouraging a broader range of voices in the industry, particularly within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields. We need new ideas, new perspectives, and a truly inclusive workforce to drive the sector forward.”

Following an illustrious career, Chris’s advice to others pursuing a career in this industry is as inspiring as his professional journey: “Embrace change and new challenges. It is often the things you don’t do that you regret. The world is full of opportunities if you remain open and willing to adapt.”

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Hydrogen storage solutions for a cleaner future

Written by Keith Croysdale, Business Development Manager at Luxfer Gas Cylinders

The UK Government believes that hydrogen will provide between 20 to 35% of total final energy consumed across the nation by 2050. However, in order for hydrogen to support decarbonization, hydrogen producers must be connected to users. A paper recently published by the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) has highlighted the complexity of this issue.

Authored by the HEA’s Hydrogen Transportation and Storage Working Group, the report was entitled ‘The Role for Transport and Storage in Delivering the Hydrogen Transition’.

It calls on the Government to take accelerated action, so hydrogen can be maximized as part of the UK energy strategy. A key recommendation includes innovation around high-capacity virtual pipeline solutions. And with its recent investment in this area, Luxfer Gas Cylinders is uniquely placed to deliver on these ambitions with its hydrogen storage solutions expertise.

Bridging the gap between producers and users

A transition to hydrogen from non-renewable fuels and electric vehicle solutions is gathering pace. At the forefront of this, Luxfer Gas Cylinders is identifying ways to make the clean gas more viable in decades to come.

Considering that hydrogen availability will increase in the UK and Europe, being able to transport and store it is crucial. The objective is for hydrogen to safely and efficiently reach the businesses and operators that need it.

Individual areas of the supply chain are working in silo – despite being faced with common challenges around:- Funding- Regulation clarification- Supply chain delays- Limited gas production- Infrastructure constraints.

MEGCs – efficient hydrogen storage solutions and transportation solution

Putting our engineering prowess to the test, Luxfer Gas Cylinder has developed a way to connect hydrogen production, to hydrogen users, through a virtual gas pipeline. The result is efficient and high-capacity hydrogen cylinders, and Multiple Element Gas Containers (MEGCs).

Available in 20ft, 40ft and 45ft units, the MEGCs are available with Luxfer’s trusted G-Stor™ Pro Type 3 cylinder, or the lightweight G-Stor™ Go Type 4 technology at pressures up to 380bar (5511psi). Importantly, MEGCs tackle infrastructure barriers facing the hydrogen supply chain. They make it possible for up to 1.5 tonnes of the gas to be stored and transported efficiently.

Our alternative fuel design team developed an industry-leading level of hydrogen storage capacity into a product offering known as the G-Stor™ Hydrosphere. It represents one of our largest innovation projects.

A new, purpose-built production facility at our Nottingham site will produce the G-Stor™ Hydrospheres. Summer 2024 will see the very first units ready to be deployed.

This construction project represents Luxfer Gas Cylinders’ global mission -- making a difference to help create a safe, clean and energy efficient world.

A mobile and lightweight hydrogen storage solution to encourage adoption

Luxfer has made innovation core to its operation, exploring a myriad of new products and branching out into new markets since 1958.

During development of our MEGCs, our design team identified a gap in the market to support the hydrogen economy through virtual gas pipeline options for smaller quantities of gas.

This paved the way for our G-Stor™ Pro Bundle. It is a multiple cylinder package (MCP) comprised of a modular, interconnected system of cylinders – and an important stepping stone for the adoption of hydrogen fuel.

Drawing on Luxfer’s trusted Type 3 G-Stor™ H2 cylinders, nine interconnected cylinders are stacked horizontally. Due to the unique cylinder liner processing, which reduces weight and increases volume, they can store a larger volume of gas in a smaller footprint compared to other available options.

These cylinder packages, launched in 2023, offer mobility and portability, enabling hydrogen to be transported via trucks, ships, or rail to different locations. They are suitable for marine applications, construction vehicles, running generators or even to fill test vehicles where a refueller or large storage may be deemed too costly for the small amount of gas required to check a fuel cell is working correctly. The MCPs:- Have a lightweight, durable, high strength frame- Can be slotted into an existing structure and onto trucks or trailers seamlessly- Have custom panel artwork as an optional extra to display customer branding- Have a booster control skid, top mount lifting aid and over pressure valves included to deliver safe operation throughout the life cycle of the product- Reduce the need to manage cylinder stocks and eliminate time lost in cylinder changeover and handling, as well as gas wastage.In fact, two G-Stor™ Pro Bundles will be used at Nottingham UK site soon, replacing our existing rental model to feed our manufacturing press. Introducing this solution into our operation demonstrates Luxfer’s commitment to minimising our own environmental impact.

Our role in the future of hydrogen storage solutions

The hydrogen industry is fast-moving. But at Luxfer we have a decades-long legacy, working with hydrogen technology when it was an outlier and it was impossible to predict the direction it would take.

While some uncertainty remains, we believe the future of hydrogen transportation will involve a combination of physical pipelines and virtual pipeline alternatives such as MCPs and MEGCs. We expect each solution will be utilised on different parts of the supply chain, meeting diverse needs in the evolving hydrogen economy.

An expanding physical pipeline, we anticipate, is unlikely to result in a retraction of the virtual pipeline. Instead, a redeployment of virtual pipeline solutions will best service the first and final miles of distribution.

What is clear is further policy planning is needed to pave the way for hydrogen to fulfil its potential for net zero. The HEA are championing this. For our part, Luxfer will continue to lend its expertise to debates. After all, with our engineering excellence and proven track record in world-leading alternative fuel solutions, we’re well placed to do so.