The green fuel outfit said the agreement would involve the formation of a high-level expert research committee to consider electrolyser development.

The resulting programme of research will enhance ITM’s existing in-house work on the use of low cost electrolysers to optimise the capture and use of renewable energy systems such as wind, wave and solar power, it added.

The electrolysers will allow low cost on-site generation of hydrogen, so removing the need for new methods of storing and distributing the fuel.

Commenting on the agreement, chief executive Jim Heathcote said, “In our view it provides an excellent forum for the exploration of concepts essential to developing the hydrogen economy. We are grateful for the Foundation's financial and intellectual support.”