Challenge:
Sun, Sea & Hydrogen
E-SHINE - Elba Sun-Sea Hydrogen Integrated Network for Eco-mobility
Summary
Please find the extended version of the proposal that has been uploaded to the relevant files.
E-SHINE: Elba Sun-Sea Hydrogen Integrated Network for Eco-Mobility is a visionary, island-wide initiative designed to transform Elba into the Mediterranean's leading model of clean, connected, and carbon-neutral mobility. At its core, E-SHINE harnesses the island’s abundant solar energy, specifically surplus energy from CER ELBA, through appropriately selected seawater electrolysis technology to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen will power both maritime and terrestrial transport systems in a seamless, circular ecosystem, directly addressing the call for "small-scale hydrogen production and storage systems from seawater". More than a project, E-SHINE represents a paradigm shift—where local renewable energy fuels local transportation, education drives public engagement, and sustainable tourism flourishes, all initiated through a realistically budgeted and pragmatically phased pilot project.
What makes E-SHINE transformative:
• Integrated Innovation: Combines hydrogen-electric ferry systems, solar-to-hydrogen mobility hubs, and land-based eco-shuttles into a single, harmonised network designed to reduce private vehicular traffic and enhance access to Elba's unique environmental resources.
• Local Solar Surplus Utilisation: Converts quantified excess solar power from Elba’s Renewable Energy Community (CER ELBA) into green hydrogen via a carefully selected seawater electrolysis process. This ensures energy is not wasted but stored, transported, and utilised with maximum efficiency, with a clear plan for managing any associated byproducts.
• Zero-Emission Transport: Offers a fully decarbonised transport solution—no tailpipe emissions, no noise pollution, no diesel dependence—by deploying hydrogen fuel cell ferries and land shuttles, contributing directly to a cleaner island environment.
• Community-Rooted Infrastructure: Centralised solar-hydrogen hubs not only power the network but also act as educational and social anchors, where residents and tourists learn, train, and collaborate, fostering local skills and acceptance.
• Nature-Positive Tourism: Helps protect Elba’s pristine beaches, marine life, and national parks by minimising traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and environmental disturbance from transport activities.
Key Components:
• A solar-powered Hydrogen Production and Mobility Hub, designed for “small-scale” green hydrogen production from seawater using surplus CER ELBA energy , incorporating robust safety standards and byproduct management.
• A Hydrogen-Electric Ferry Service connecting key coastal locations with an initial pilot fleet of zero-emission, low-noise vessels, based on defined routes and operational plans.
• A fleet of Hydrogen-Powered Eco-Shuttles offering clean last-mile connectivity to towns, beaches, and tourist attractions, with initial routes targeting high-priority areas.
• A Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, co-located with the hub, engaging school groups, tourists, and locals through hands-on learning and skills development, with programs designed leveraging behavioural science expertise.
Strategic Objectives of E-SHINE:
• Reduce Emissions Island-Wide: Replace polluting road and maritime transport with clean hydrogen alternatives, with an aim to quantify emission reductions based on pilot operations.
• Boost Sustainable Economic Growth: Create skilled green jobs (e.g., in hydrogen system operation, maintenance, and education) and attract eco-conscious tourism, supported by a realistically scaled pilot investment.
• Deliver Educational Impact: Provide visible, interactive hydrogen infrastructure and targeted training programs to increase public understanding, acceptance, and local skillsets in hydrogen technologies and safety.
• Scale and Replicate: Pilot on Elba, demonstrating a feasible small-scale model, and develop a roadmap to expand across island regions in the Mediterranean and beyond, leveraging lessons from this focused initiative.
E-SHINE is more than infrastructure; it's an ecosystem. It enables Elba to store its own renewable power, move people and goods cleanly, educate the next generation, and preserve its breathtaking landscapes. It stands as a model for the EU’s green transition, representing how island communities can lead on climate innovation with bold, locally embedded, and pragmatically implemented solutions.
E-SHINE: Elba Sun-Sea Hydrogen Integrated Network for Eco-Mobility is a visionary, island-wide initiative designed to transform Elba into the Mediterranean's leading model of clean, connected, and carbon-neutral mobility. At its core, E-SHINE harnesses the island’s abundant solar energy, specifically surplus energy from CER ELBA, through appropriately selected seawater electrolysis technology to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen will power both maritime and terrestrial transport systems in a seamless, circular ecosystem, directly addressing the call for "small-scale hydrogen production and storage systems from seawater". More than a project, E-SHINE represents a paradigm shift—where local renewable energy fuels local transportation, education drives public engagement, and sustainable tourism flourishes, all initiated through a realistically budgeted and pragmatically phased pilot project.
What makes E-SHINE transformative:
• Integrated Innovation: Combines hydrogen-electric ferry systems, solar-to-hydrogen mobility hubs, and land-based eco-shuttles into a single, harmonised network designed to reduce private vehicular traffic and enhance access to Elba's unique environmental resources.
• Local Solar Surplus Utilisation: Converts quantified excess solar power from Elba’s Renewable Energy Community (CER ELBA) into green hydrogen via a carefully selected seawater electrolysis process. This ensures energy is not wasted but stored, transported, and utilised with maximum efficiency, with a clear plan for managing any associated byproducts.
• Zero-Emission Transport: Offers a fully decarbonised transport solution—no tailpipe emissions, no noise pollution, no diesel dependence—by deploying hydrogen fuel cell ferries and land shuttles, contributing directly to a cleaner island environment.
• Community-Rooted Infrastructure: Centralised solar-hydrogen hubs not only power the network but also act as educational and social anchors, where residents and tourists learn, train, and collaborate, fostering local skills and acceptance.
• Nature-Positive Tourism: Helps protect Elba’s pristine beaches, marine life, and national parks by minimising traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and environmental disturbance from transport activities.
Key Components:
• A solar-powered Hydrogen Production and Mobility Hub, designed for “small-scale” green hydrogen production from seawater using surplus CER ELBA energy , incorporating robust safety standards and byproduct management.
• A Hydrogen-Electric Ferry Service connecting key coastal locations with an initial pilot fleet of zero-emission, low-noise vessels, based on defined routes and operational plans.
• A fleet of Hydrogen-Powered Eco-Shuttles offering clean last-mile connectivity to towns, beaches, and tourist attractions, with initial routes targeting high-priority areas.
• A Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, co-located with the hub, engaging school groups, tourists, and locals through hands-on learning and skills development, with programs designed leveraging behavioural science expertise.
Strategic Objectives of E-SHINE:
• Reduce Emissions Island-Wide: Replace polluting road and maritime transport with clean hydrogen alternatives, with an aim to quantify emission reductions based on pilot operations.
• Boost Sustainable Economic Growth: Create skilled green jobs (e.g., in hydrogen system operation, maintenance, and education) and attract eco-conscious tourism, supported by a realistically scaled pilot investment.
• Deliver Educational Impact: Provide visible, interactive hydrogen infrastructure and targeted training programs to increase public understanding, acceptance, and local skillsets in hydrogen technologies and safety.
• Scale and Replicate: Pilot on Elba, demonstrating a feasible small-scale model, and develop a roadmap to expand across island regions in the Mediterranean and beyond, leveraging lessons from this focused initiative.
E-SHINE is more than infrastructure; it's an ecosystem. It enables Elba to store its own renewable power, move people and goods cleanly, educate the next generation, and preserve its breathtaking landscapes. It stands as a model for the EU’s green transition, representing how island communities can lead on climate innovation with bold, locally embedded, and pragmatically implemented solutions.
Foreseen impact
The E-SHINE project is designed to deliver systemic, cross-sectoral benefits that extend far beyond transportation or energy infrastructure alone. Its impact spans environmental restoration, economic revitalisation, community empowerment, technological advancement, and replicability across other island and coastal communities in Europe. By deploying cutting-edge hydrogen and solar technologies in a real-world setting with strong community integration, E-SHINE establishes Elba as a living laboratory for a climate-resilient future.
Environmental Impact:
• Quantifiable Emission Reductions: Aim to achieve and quantify significant reductions in CO2, NOX, SOX, and particulate emissions from both maritime and land-based transport during the pilot phase, based on displacement of conventional fuel usage.
• Improved Air Quality: Lead to measurable improvements in air quality indices in key population centres and along transport corridors, benefiting public health.
• Noise Pollution Mitigation: Reduce noise pollution in sensitive natural and urban areas, enhancing ecological conditions and resident well-being.
• Marine Ecosystem Protection: Eliminate hydrocarbon fuel spill risks in marine ecosystems from the project's transport fleet. A comprehensive plan for the environmentally sound management of seawater electrolysis byproducts (e.g., chlorine, concentrated brine), guided by Dr. Khajenoori's expertise , will be implemented to protect marine biodiversity.
• Optimised Renewable Energy Use: Maximise the utilisation of surplus solar energy from CER ELBA , enhancing the efficiency of the island’s renewable energy resources and minimising curtailment.
• EU Green Deal Alignment: Contribute directly to climate adaptation and mitigation strategies outlined in the EU Green Deal and Fit for 55 Package.
Economic Impact:
• Creation of Skilled Green Jobs: Generate direct skilled roles in areas such as electrolyser operation, hydrogen system maintenance, fuel cell technician services, H2-vehicle/vessel operation, specialised transport logistics, and STEM education and outreach.
• Local Supply Chain Catalysis: Stimulate local supply chains for services related to renewable energy component installation, vehicle/vessel servicing, and educational program delivery.
• Enhanced Economic Resilience: Strengthen the island economy's resilience by diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on volatile imported fossil fuel prices.
• Attraction for Sustainable Investment: Increase Elba's attractiveness for sustainable investment and climate finance, potentially supported by the project's budget realism for a focused pilot.
• Regional Energy Security: Enhance local energy security through on-island production of a transport fuel.
• Operational Cost Savings Potential: Offer potential for long-term operational cost savings for the island’s participating transport services through a stable, locally sourced fuel supply, to be assessed during the pilot.
Social and Educational Impact:
• Improved and Greener Mobility Access: Enhance mobility access for residents and tourists to key island locations , including currently underserved areas, fostering social inclusion with sustainable transport options.
• STEM Literacy and Green Career Inspiration: Actively engage schools and local universities through experiential learning at the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, boosting STEM literacy. The program design will be informed by Professor Ball's behavioural science expertise to maximize impact.
• Local Workforce Upskilling: Upskill the local workforce through formal vocational training in hydrogen technologies, including crucial hydrogen safety protocols, system operation, and maintenance.
• Local Innovation Capacity: Develop local innovation capacity via the demonstration pilot and community co-creation initiatives facilitated through the Education Centre.
• Environmental Stewardship Promotion: Promote environmental stewardship through visible, interactive sustainability infrastructure and educational programs.
• Enhanced Community Identity: Strengthen local identity and pride in Elba’s leadership role in Europe’s green transition.
Technological and Scientific Impact:
• Real-World Seawater Electrolysis Data: Generate valuable empirical data on the performance, challenges, and optimisation of the selected small-scale seawater electrolysis technology in a real-world island context, including specific data on byproduct management.
• Multimodal Hydrogen Application Showcase: Provide an innovative demonstration platform for the integration of hydrogen fuel cell technologies across multimodal transport applications (marine and land).
• Research Collaboration Opportunities: Offer potential for collaboration with European research institutions for joint monitoring, modelling, data analysis, and publication of findings.
• Smart Energy Management Advancement: Contribute to the advancement of smart control systems and potentially digital twin concepts for managing integrated renewable energy production, storage, and demand flows.
Policy and Replication Impact:
• Alignment with Strategic Policies: Align with national and EU-level policies (e.g., National Energy and Climate Plans, Mission Innovation, Horizon Europe Green Deal Calls).
• Replicable Small-Scale Island Model: Serve as a replicable small-scale model for other Mediterranean and European islands facing similar energy, transport, and tourism-related challenges, particularly those with established Renewable Energy Communities. A detailed replicability roadmap will be a key project deliverable.
• Live Demonstration Platform: Provide a live demonstration for policymakers, investors, and funding agencies to assess performance, risk mitigation strategies, public acceptance, and the overall viability of hydrogen transition strategies in island settings.
Together, these impacts establish E-SHINE not only as a technical and environmental innovation but as a socio-economic enabler of systemic change. The project offers Elba a path to climate neutrality that is technologically grounded, economically resilient, and socially inclusive.
Environmental Impact:
• Quantifiable Emission Reductions: Aim to achieve and quantify significant reductions in CO2, NOX, SOX, and particulate emissions from both maritime and land-based transport during the pilot phase, based on displacement of conventional fuel usage.
• Improved Air Quality: Lead to measurable improvements in air quality indices in key population centres and along transport corridors, benefiting public health.
• Noise Pollution Mitigation: Reduce noise pollution in sensitive natural and urban areas, enhancing ecological conditions and resident well-being.
• Marine Ecosystem Protection: Eliminate hydrocarbon fuel spill risks in marine ecosystems from the project's transport fleet. A comprehensive plan for the environmentally sound management of seawater electrolysis byproducts (e.g., chlorine, concentrated brine), guided by Dr. Khajenoori's expertise , will be implemented to protect marine biodiversity.
• Optimised Renewable Energy Use: Maximise the utilisation of surplus solar energy from CER ELBA , enhancing the efficiency of the island’s renewable energy resources and minimising curtailment.
• EU Green Deal Alignment: Contribute directly to climate adaptation and mitigation strategies outlined in the EU Green Deal and Fit for 55 Package.
Economic Impact:
• Creation of Skilled Green Jobs: Generate direct skilled roles in areas such as electrolyser operation, hydrogen system maintenance, fuel cell technician services, H2-vehicle/vessel operation, specialised transport logistics, and STEM education and outreach.
• Local Supply Chain Catalysis: Stimulate local supply chains for services related to renewable energy component installation, vehicle/vessel servicing, and educational program delivery.
• Enhanced Economic Resilience: Strengthen the island economy's resilience by diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on volatile imported fossil fuel prices.
• Attraction for Sustainable Investment: Increase Elba's attractiveness for sustainable investment and climate finance, potentially supported by the project's budget realism for a focused pilot.
• Regional Energy Security: Enhance local energy security through on-island production of a transport fuel.
• Operational Cost Savings Potential: Offer potential for long-term operational cost savings for the island’s participating transport services through a stable, locally sourced fuel supply, to be assessed during the pilot.
Social and Educational Impact:
• Improved and Greener Mobility Access: Enhance mobility access for residents and tourists to key island locations , including currently underserved areas, fostering social inclusion with sustainable transport options.
• STEM Literacy and Green Career Inspiration: Actively engage schools and local universities through experiential learning at the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, boosting STEM literacy. The program design will be informed by Professor Ball's behavioural science expertise to maximize impact.
• Local Workforce Upskilling: Upskill the local workforce through formal vocational training in hydrogen technologies, including crucial hydrogen safety protocols, system operation, and maintenance.
• Local Innovation Capacity: Develop local innovation capacity via the demonstration pilot and community co-creation initiatives facilitated through the Education Centre.
• Environmental Stewardship Promotion: Promote environmental stewardship through visible, interactive sustainability infrastructure and educational programs.
• Enhanced Community Identity: Strengthen local identity and pride in Elba’s leadership role in Europe’s green transition.
Technological and Scientific Impact:
• Real-World Seawater Electrolysis Data: Generate valuable empirical data on the performance, challenges, and optimisation of the selected small-scale seawater electrolysis technology in a real-world island context, including specific data on byproduct management.
• Multimodal Hydrogen Application Showcase: Provide an innovative demonstration platform for the integration of hydrogen fuel cell technologies across multimodal transport applications (marine and land).
• Research Collaboration Opportunities: Offer potential for collaboration with European research institutions for joint monitoring, modelling, data analysis, and publication of findings.
• Smart Energy Management Advancement: Contribute to the advancement of smart control systems and potentially digital twin concepts for managing integrated renewable energy production, storage, and demand flows.
Policy and Replication Impact:
• Alignment with Strategic Policies: Align with national and EU-level policies (e.g., National Energy and Climate Plans, Mission Innovation, Horizon Europe Green Deal Calls).
• Replicable Small-Scale Island Model: Serve as a replicable small-scale model for other Mediterranean and European islands facing similar energy, transport, and tourism-related challenges, particularly those with established Renewable Energy Communities. A detailed replicability roadmap will be a key project deliverable.
• Live Demonstration Platform: Provide a live demonstration for policymakers, investors, and funding agencies to assess performance, risk mitigation strategies, public acceptance, and the overall viability of hydrogen transition strategies in island settings.
Together, these impacts establish E-SHINE not only as a technical and environmental innovation but as a socio-economic enabler of systemic change. The project offers Elba a path to climate neutrality that is technologically grounded, economically resilient, and socially inclusive.
About the solver
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) UCLan is one of the UK’s largest and most forward-thinking universities, ranked in the top 7% of global universities (Center for World University Rankings). With a strong strategic commitment to energy transition, sustainability, and applied engineering research, UCLan supports innovation across:
• Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Technologies: Through advanced labs and industrial-academic partnerships, UCLan researchers work on electrolysis, solar PV, fuel cell optimisation, and hydrogen integration into transport and grid systems.
• Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and Solar Infrastructure: UCLan engages in system design and testing of PV modules, solar storage systems, and hybrid integration with hydrogen units.
• Sustainable Urban and Coastal Mobility: Multi-department collaboration explores eco-mobility, active travel, and AI-supported decarbonisation solutions in transport and infrastructure planning.
UCLan is a strategic hub in national and EU-funded green technology programmes, and its support structures enable high-quality delivery of international sustainability projects like E-SHINE.
PI: Dr Hamid Reza Nasriani, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Dr Nasriani is a leading international expert with over two decades of high-impact research, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration in Energy Transition, Hydrogen Technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), and Sustainability Engineering. He is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Civil and Oil & Gas Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), United Kingdom. His work focuses on practical innovation in hydrogen generation, solar-powered systems, unconventional energy production, and climate-resilient infrastructure. He has:
• Authored 68 peer-reviewed publications, many of which focus on hydrogen thermodynamics, plastic waste pyrolysis, and energy system integration.
• Secured over £700,000 in competitive research funding.
• Led flagship interdisciplinary projects such as "Towards Energy Transition with Hydrogen" and "Sustainable Fuel from Plastic Waste via Pyrolysis."
• Built deep collaborations with industrial and policy-leading institutions such as TÜV SÜD UK NEL, OMV, GEUS (Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland), and multiple academic centres.
Research Strengths and Contributions:
• Advanced hydrogen thermodynamics, fuel blends, and CCUS systems.
• Hydrogen production from plastic and waste resources.
• Saline aquifer CO2 storage, net-zero infrastructure design, and environmental impact assessment.
Recent Publications:
• "Advanced Thermodynamics of Hydrogen and Natural Gas Blends for Gas Transmission Networks" (Measurement: Sensors, 2025).
• "Sustainable Hydrogen Production from Plastic Waste" (Journal of Hydrogen, 2025).
• "From Waste to Energy: Enhancing Fuel and Hydrogen Production through Pyrolysis" (Sustainability, 2024). Dr Nasriani's proven ability to lead complex, applied research projects across hydrogen systems, renewables, and sustainable engineering underpins the feasibility, credibility, and innovation of the E-SHINE proposal.
Co-Investigator: Professor Linden J. Ball: Professor Linden Ball is an internationally respected academic psychologist and Director of Research and Enterprise at UCLan. His expertise in behavioural science, decision-making, and human factors complements the E-SHINE initiative’s emphasis on social acceptance, behavioural change, and public engagement with sustainable technology. Prof. Ball has published over 100 articles and book chapters and is listed in Scopus (Author ID: 7102282029). His contributions will be central to designing effective educational programs for the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, developing strategies to maximize community and tourist engagement, and ensuring the vocational training modules are impactful, thereby helping to embed E-SHINE within Elba’s community and policy landscape.
Co-Investigator: Dr. Leila Khajenoori: Dr. Leila Khajenoori is a Lecturer in Civil Engineering at UCLan, specialising in hydraulic structures, flood defence, river engineering, and sustainable urban drainage systems. Her research focuses on developing sustainable solutions to limit environmental and carbon impacts, particularly through the use of recycled waste products in flood management. Dr. Khajenoori has contributed to international projects such as the CIRCLE project under the France (Channel) England Programme, which aims to develop environmentally friendly concrete solutions. Her expertise in environmental hydraulics and sustainable infrastructure design is instrumental in ensuring that the E-SHINE project not only advances renewable energy and mobility solutions but also aligns with ecological preservation and resilience objectives. Specifically, Dr. Khajenoori will guide the environmental impact assessment, site selection for the hub to minimize ecological disturbance, and the development of strategies for the environmentally sound management of seawater electrolysis byproducts and any other effluents.
Together, Dr. Nasriani, Professor Ball, and Dr. Khajenoori bring a comprehensive blend of technical innovation, behavioural insight, and environmental engineering expertise, fortifying the scientific and societal foundations of the E-SHINE vision.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Strength:
The E-SHINE project is underpinned by a network of strategic collaborations designed to ensure its success, safety, and impact:
• CER ELBA: This is a foundational local partnership. E-SHINE will formalize its collaboration with CER ELBA through a Memorandum of Understanding in Phase 1. This will detail roles, responsibilities, data sharing protocols for surplus energy quantification , energy offtake terms, and joint community engagement strategies.
• TÜV SÜD: Will provide crucial safety assurance by conducting safety design reviews (e.g., HAZID/HAZOP) for the hydrogen hub and refueling systems, offering support for component/system certification to relevant ISO/IEC standards, and validating the project's safety training programs and operational safety protocols.
• UK NEL (National Engineering Laboratory): Will contribute through independent verification of the hydrogen production and energy system performance against established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). They will also provide expert advice on innovation management throughout the project lifecycle.
• OMV: Will offer advisory expertise drawing from their extensive industry experience in broader hydrogen logistics, handling protocols, and international safety best practices. This input will complement the project's focus on a self-sufficient pilot system on Elba and ensure alignment with established industry standards.
• Local Stakeholder Engagement: E-SHINE will proactively seek to establish working relationships with local transport operators on Elba to gain operational insights and explore potential service delivery partnerships. Collaboration with Elba tourism authorities and businesses will be pursued to optimize transport routes for tourist access, integrate E-SHINE services with local tourism offerings, and jointly promote Elba as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
This collaborative framework ensures that E-SHINE benefits from cutting-edge academic research, rigorous safety and performance validation, industry best practices, and deep local integration.
• Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Technologies: Through advanced labs and industrial-academic partnerships, UCLan researchers work on electrolysis, solar PV, fuel cell optimisation, and hydrogen integration into transport and grid systems.
• Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and Solar Infrastructure: UCLan engages in system design and testing of PV modules, solar storage systems, and hybrid integration with hydrogen units.
• Sustainable Urban and Coastal Mobility: Multi-department collaboration explores eco-mobility, active travel, and AI-supported decarbonisation solutions in transport and infrastructure planning.
UCLan is a strategic hub in national and EU-funded green technology programmes, and its support structures enable high-quality delivery of international sustainability projects like E-SHINE.
PI: Dr Hamid Reza Nasriani, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Dr Nasriani is a leading international expert with over two decades of high-impact research, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration in Energy Transition, Hydrogen Technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), and Sustainability Engineering. He is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Civil and Oil & Gas Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), United Kingdom. His work focuses on practical innovation in hydrogen generation, solar-powered systems, unconventional energy production, and climate-resilient infrastructure. He has:
• Authored 68 peer-reviewed publications, many of which focus on hydrogen thermodynamics, plastic waste pyrolysis, and energy system integration.
• Secured over £700,000 in competitive research funding.
• Led flagship interdisciplinary projects such as "Towards Energy Transition with Hydrogen" and "Sustainable Fuel from Plastic Waste via Pyrolysis."
• Built deep collaborations with industrial and policy-leading institutions such as TÜV SÜD UK NEL, OMV, GEUS (Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland), and multiple academic centres.
Research Strengths and Contributions:
• Advanced hydrogen thermodynamics, fuel blends, and CCUS systems.
• Hydrogen production from plastic and waste resources.
• Saline aquifer CO2 storage, net-zero infrastructure design, and environmental impact assessment.
Recent Publications:
• "Advanced Thermodynamics of Hydrogen and Natural Gas Blends for Gas Transmission Networks" (Measurement: Sensors, 2025).
• "Sustainable Hydrogen Production from Plastic Waste" (Journal of Hydrogen, 2025).
• "From Waste to Energy: Enhancing Fuel and Hydrogen Production through Pyrolysis" (Sustainability, 2024). Dr Nasriani's proven ability to lead complex, applied research projects across hydrogen systems, renewables, and sustainable engineering underpins the feasibility, credibility, and innovation of the E-SHINE proposal.
Co-Investigator: Professor Linden J. Ball: Professor Linden Ball is an internationally respected academic psychologist and Director of Research and Enterprise at UCLan. His expertise in behavioural science, decision-making, and human factors complements the E-SHINE initiative’s emphasis on social acceptance, behavioural change, and public engagement with sustainable technology. Prof. Ball has published over 100 articles and book chapters and is listed in Scopus (Author ID: 7102282029). His contributions will be central to designing effective educational programs for the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, developing strategies to maximize community and tourist engagement, and ensuring the vocational training modules are impactful, thereby helping to embed E-SHINE within Elba’s community and policy landscape.
Co-Investigator: Dr. Leila Khajenoori: Dr. Leila Khajenoori is a Lecturer in Civil Engineering at UCLan, specialising in hydraulic structures, flood defence, river engineering, and sustainable urban drainage systems. Her research focuses on developing sustainable solutions to limit environmental and carbon impacts, particularly through the use of recycled waste products in flood management. Dr. Khajenoori has contributed to international projects such as the CIRCLE project under the France (Channel) England Programme, which aims to develop environmentally friendly concrete solutions. Her expertise in environmental hydraulics and sustainable infrastructure design is instrumental in ensuring that the E-SHINE project not only advances renewable energy and mobility solutions but also aligns with ecological preservation and resilience objectives. Specifically, Dr. Khajenoori will guide the environmental impact assessment, site selection for the hub to minimize ecological disturbance, and the development of strategies for the environmentally sound management of seawater electrolysis byproducts and any other effluents.
Together, Dr. Nasriani, Professor Ball, and Dr. Khajenoori bring a comprehensive blend of technical innovation, behavioural insight, and environmental engineering expertise, fortifying the scientific and societal foundations of the E-SHINE vision.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Strength:
The E-SHINE project is underpinned by a network of strategic collaborations designed to ensure its success, safety, and impact:
• CER ELBA: This is a foundational local partnership. E-SHINE will formalize its collaboration with CER ELBA through a Memorandum of Understanding in Phase 1. This will detail roles, responsibilities, data sharing protocols for surplus energy quantification , energy offtake terms, and joint community engagement strategies.
• TÜV SÜD: Will provide crucial safety assurance by conducting safety design reviews (e.g., HAZID/HAZOP) for the hydrogen hub and refueling systems, offering support for component/system certification to relevant ISO/IEC standards, and validating the project's safety training programs and operational safety protocols.
• UK NEL (National Engineering Laboratory): Will contribute through independent verification of the hydrogen production and energy system performance against established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). They will also provide expert advice on innovation management throughout the project lifecycle.
• OMV: Will offer advisory expertise drawing from their extensive industry experience in broader hydrogen logistics, handling protocols, and international safety best practices. This input will complement the project's focus on a self-sufficient pilot system on Elba and ensure alignment with established industry standards.
• Local Stakeholder Engagement: E-SHINE will proactively seek to establish working relationships with local transport operators on Elba to gain operational insights and explore potential service delivery partnerships. Collaboration with Elba tourism authorities and businesses will be pursued to optimize transport routes for tourist access, integrate E-SHINE services with local tourism offerings, and jointly promote Elba as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
This collaborative framework ensures that E-SHINE benefits from cutting-edge academic research, rigorous safety and performance validation, industry best practices, and deep local integration.
Indicative budget/Phases
To align with the complexity, scalability, and sustainability objectives of the E-SHINE proposal, and reflecting the "Sun, Sea & Hydrogen" call's focus on "small-scale hydrogen production and storage systems", the budget is structured across three technically robust and impact-driven phases. This phased approach allows for progressive de-risking and learning. Each phase includes clearly defined objectives, deliverables, stakeholder engagement, and contingency planning to ensure resilience, transparency, and adaptability throughout the project lifecycle, within a total indicative envelope of €1.5 million. This budget is intentionally calibrated for a focused and impactful pilot, offering high value and tangible outcomes.
Phase 1: Feasibility Study and Strategic Planning (6–12 months) Budget: €300,000 Objectives:
• Assess technical, environmental, and economic viability of the proposed solar-hydrogen infrastructure on Elba.
• Conduct detailed techno-economic assessment and selection of the most appropriate small-scale seawater electrolysis technology suitable for Elba, including Technology Readiness Level (TRL) validation, efficiency analysis, and a comprehensive byproduct (chlorine, brine) management and disposal/valorisation strategy.
• Quantify CER ELBA's surplus solar energy profile and establish a detailed technical and contractual energy integration plan.
• Conduct extensive community engagement and stakeholder workshops with CER ELBA, local authorities, tourism operators, and residents.
• Define pilot routes for ferry and shuttle services, preferred infrastructure locations considering environmental and logistical factors (guided by Dr. Khajenoori's expertise ), and outline initial training needs for local personnel.
• Develop a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation plan, and a preliminary safety management plan. Budget Allocation:
• Feasibility and Environmental Studies (including electrolysis tech assessment & surplus energy quantification): €100,000
• Consultations and Stakeholder Workshops: €70,000
• Technical Surveys, Route Mapping, and Preliminary Engineering Design: €90,000
• Contingency: €40,000
Phase 2: Engineering Design and Infrastructure Setup (12–18 months) Budget: €750,000 Objectives:
• Complete detailed engineering design and obtain necessary certifications for the Solar-to-Hydrogen Mobility Hub and Education Centre.
• Procure, install, and commission the selected pilot-scale seawater electrolysis system, hydrogen compression, storage, and refueling infrastructure, adhering to strict safety standards.
• Install dedicated Solar PV arrays and the smart control system for the hub.
• Construct the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre.
• Procure initial pilot vehicles (e.g., one hydrogen-powered eco-shuttle and undertake one small ferry/boat retrofitting or acquire one small pilot H2 vessel).
• Implement a comprehensive Safety Management Plan for construction and initial operations, with audit support from TÜV SÜD.
• Initiate vocational training programs for local personnel. Budget Allocation:
• Engineering Design and Certification (Hub, Refuelling, Safety Plan Implementation): €200,000
• Hydrogen Production (Electrolyser, Compressor, Storage) and Refuelling System: €200,000
• Solar PV Installation and Smart Control System: €100,000
• Education Centre Setup (Physical & Program Development): €100,000
• Initial Vehicle Procurement/Retrofitting (1 shuttle, 1 small marine vessel): €100,000
• Contingency: €50,000 (Note: Rigorous project and risk management will be critical in this phase to manage the 6.7% contingency level against potential unforeseen challenges with novel technology integration).
Phase 3: Operational Demonstration and Community Rollout (12–18 months) Budget: €450,000 Objectives:
• Launch and operate the pilot hydrogen ferry and eco-shuttle services on defined routes.
• Fully activate the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, running live education, outreach, and vocational training activities.
• Implement a comprehensive monitoring program to collect technical performance data (energy efficiency, hydrogen production cost, system reliability), environmental impact data (emission reductions, noise levels), and socio-economic data (user uptake, job creation, public perception).
• Conduct ongoing maintenance and provide technical support for the operational systems.
• Analyse collected data to refine operational strategies, assess overall project impact, and prepare a detailed scalability and replicability roadmap for Elba and other island regions. Budget Allocation:
• Operational Staff and Technical Support (Transport & Hub): €120,000
• Outreach, Education, and Training Program Delivery: €100,000
• Monitoring, Data Collection, and Impact Assessment (Technical, Environmental, Socio-economic): €80,000
• Maintenance and Operational Overheads (including H2 for pilot fleet): €100,000
• Contingency: €50,000
Total Requested Budget for Pilot Project: €1.5 million
Phase 1: Feasibility Study and Strategic Planning (6–12 months) Budget: €300,000 Objectives:
• Assess technical, environmental, and economic viability of the proposed solar-hydrogen infrastructure on Elba.
• Conduct detailed techno-economic assessment and selection of the most appropriate small-scale seawater electrolysis technology suitable for Elba, including Technology Readiness Level (TRL) validation, efficiency analysis, and a comprehensive byproduct (chlorine, brine) management and disposal/valorisation strategy.
• Quantify CER ELBA's surplus solar energy profile and establish a detailed technical and contractual energy integration plan.
• Conduct extensive community engagement and stakeholder workshops with CER ELBA, local authorities, tourism operators, and residents.
• Define pilot routes for ferry and shuttle services, preferred infrastructure locations considering environmental and logistical factors (guided by Dr. Khajenoori's expertise ), and outline initial training needs for local personnel.
• Develop a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation plan, and a preliminary safety management plan. Budget Allocation:
• Feasibility and Environmental Studies (including electrolysis tech assessment & surplus energy quantification): €100,000
• Consultations and Stakeholder Workshops: €70,000
• Technical Surveys, Route Mapping, and Preliminary Engineering Design: €90,000
• Contingency: €40,000
Phase 2: Engineering Design and Infrastructure Setup (12–18 months) Budget: €750,000 Objectives:
• Complete detailed engineering design and obtain necessary certifications for the Solar-to-Hydrogen Mobility Hub and Education Centre.
• Procure, install, and commission the selected pilot-scale seawater electrolysis system, hydrogen compression, storage, and refueling infrastructure, adhering to strict safety standards.
• Install dedicated Solar PV arrays and the smart control system for the hub.
• Construct the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre.
• Procure initial pilot vehicles (e.g., one hydrogen-powered eco-shuttle and undertake one small ferry/boat retrofitting or acquire one small pilot H2 vessel).
• Implement a comprehensive Safety Management Plan for construction and initial operations, with audit support from TÜV SÜD.
• Initiate vocational training programs for local personnel. Budget Allocation:
• Engineering Design and Certification (Hub, Refuelling, Safety Plan Implementation): €200,000
• Hydrogen Production (Electrolyser, Compressor, Storage) and Refuelling System: €200,000
• Solar PV Installation and Smart Control System: €100,000
• Education Centre Setup (Physical & Program Development): €100,000
• Initial Vehicle Procurement/Retrofitting (1 shuttle, 1 small marine vessel): €100,000
• Contingency: €50,000 (Note: Rigorous project and risk management will be critical in this phase to manage the 6.7% contingency level against potential unforeseen challenges with novel technology integration).
Phase 3: Operational Demonstration and Community Rollout (12–18 months) Budget: €450,000 Objectives:
• Launch and operate the pilot hydrogen ferry and eco-shuttle services on defined routes.
• Fully activate the Hydrogen & Solar Education Centre, running live education, outreach, and vocational training activities.
• Implement a comprehensive monitoring program to collect technical performance data (energy efficiency, hydrogen production cost, system reliability), environmental impact data (emission reductions, noise levels), and socio-economic data (user uptake, job creation, public perception).
• Conduct ongoing maintenance and provide technical support for the operational systems.
• Analyse collected data to refine operational strategies, assess overall project impact, and prepare a detailed scalability and replicability roadmap for Elba and other island regions. Budget Allocation:
• Operational Staff and Technical Support (Transport & Hub): €120,000
• Outreach, Education, and Training Program Delivery: €100,000
• Monitoring, Data Collection, and Impact Assessment (Technical, Environmental, Socio-economic): €80,000
• Maintenance and Operational Overheads (including H2 for pilot fleet): €100,000
• Contingency: €50,000
Total Requested Budget for Pilot Project: €1.5 million