The transition to a sustainable energy future is happening faster than ever, thanks to groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping the way we produce, store, and use energy. Our project partner, David Fairén-Jiménez, Professor of Molecular Engineering at University of Cambridge and CSO at Immaterial, recently took part in a high-level discussion alongside Belén Linares, Director of Innovation at Moeve, and Teresa Riesgo, Secretary General for Innovation at the Spanish Ministry, to explore how new technologies are driving the energy transition.
Fairén-Jiménez, researcher at the University of Cambridge and a key contributor to MOST-H2, emphasized the potential of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)—highly porous materials that function like nanosponges. These materials offer cutting-edge solutions for hydrogen storage and CO2 capture, two pillars of the transition. “MOFs allow hydrogen to be stored at much safer pressures and filter polluting gases like CO2, which can then be repurposed in industrial processes, contributing to a circular and more sustainable economy,” he explained.
He also highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating material discovery, showing how AI-driven models predict material behavior without relying on traditional trial-and-error methods. “By leveraging machine learning, we can shorten development times from years to just months, significantly speeding up the innovation process,” he noted.
Moeve’s Belén Linares reinforced the crucial role of these innovations in stabilizing renewable energy sources. She pointed out that hydrogen storage technology, such as that developed by Fairén-Jiménez’s company Immaterial, could be a ‘game changer’ in overcoming the intermittency of renewables. By improving hydrogen storage efficiency, these advancements align with MOST-H2’s mission to advance hydrogen-based energy solutions.
Public-private collaboration and strategic investment were also highlighted as essential factors in scaling up these solutions. Secretary General Teresa Riesgo emphasized the need for diversified funding models, including venture capital and international investments, to support disruptive technologies like hydrogen storage and CO2 capture.
As part of MOST-H2, these innovations represent a crucial step in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
The full article is availabe (in Spanish) here, the YouTube video here.