Successful Demonstration of Hydrogen Innovation on a live film set

A successful demonstration of a groundbreaking hydrogen storage technology was recently carried out by the Renewable Energy Storage Reactor (RESR) team, marking a major step forward in hydrogen innovation. Dr. Ali Saberi Mehr from the UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is co-leading the engineering development, alongside Dr. James Carton from (opens in a new window)DCU’s School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. At the core of this breakthrough is the pioneering chemistry research led by Dr. Andrew Phillips from UCD’s School of Chemistry. This project, supported by the Research Ireland National Challenge, is driven by a dedicated team of researchers, working collaboratively to redefine the future of hydrogen storage technology.

A Day in Gormanston

On March 14th, after nearly two years of intensive research, lab work, and small-scale demonstrations, the team stepped outside the lab to showcase their breakthrough hydrogen storage technology in an entirely new environment—a film set. What began as a proof-of-concept experiment had now matured into a real-world energy solution, and the team was invited to Gormanston Castle to present their innovation to an audience far beyond the usual academic and industrial circles.

That morning, the team gathered at their UCD and DCU labs, carefully preparing and packing the equipment for the demonstration. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as they made their way to Gormanston Park, where a martial arts comedy film, Kung Fu Deadly, was in production.

Stepping through the castle’s grand entrance, the team entered a bustling film set, where directors, actors, and production crews were fully immersed in their creative process. Amidst this dynamic environment, the RESR hydrogen storage system was set up, an innovative solid-state hydrogen storage technology that eliminates the need for bulky, high-pressure tanks, instead offering a compact, safe, and high-density solution that releases hydrogen only when needed.

Even before the setup was complete, curiosity from the film crew had already drawn a crowd. With power outlets in short supply, word quickly spread that the team was offering free phone and tablet charging, and soon, actors, producers, and crew members gathered around, eager to keep their devices powered. This unexpected interaction immediately highlighted the real-world value of the system, not just for high-tech industrial applications but also for on-the-ground, everyday use.

A particularly exciting moment of the day was the chance to meet (opens in a new window)Steven He, the well-known Irish-Chinese actor and comedian. While best known for his viral comedic sketches, Steven’s deep curiosity about hydrogen storage technology took the team by surprise. Rather than just casual interest, he engaged in a detailed conversation about the mechanics, applications, and future potential of the system. Most notably, he already had an understanding of hydrogen and solid-state storage, demonstrating just how far awareness of clean energy solutions has spread beyond traditional scientific and engineering communities. His enthusiasm and genuine engagement reinforced the belief that hydrogen storage has the potential to impact a diverse audience, far beyond the research and industrial sectors.

The Renewable Energy Storage Reactor ((opens in a new window)RESR) is part of a Research Ireland National Challenge-funded project, a collaboration between UCD and DCU. Unlike traditional hydrogen systems that rely on high-pressure metal tanks to store small amounts of hydrogen, (opens in a new window)RESR enables safe, high-density hydrogen storage in a solid-state material. This innovative approach provides 10 to 20 times more energy density, making it a game-changer for a wide range of applications—from portable power solutions to large-scale clean energy storage.

What’s Next? Hydrogen on the Move

The Gormanston Castle demonstration was a powerful reminder that innovation thrives when introduced to new and unexpected spaces. The event sparked meaningful conversations with individuals who might not typically engage with hydrogen technology, further reinforcing the growing demand for compact, safe, and efficient hydrogen storage solutions—whether in film production, emergency backup power, or future mobility applications.

From lab experiments to real-world demonstrations, from research papers to practical applications, this journey is just beginning. With each milestone, the team moves closer to a future where hydrogen storage is safer, more accessible, and ready to power a sustainable world.

(opens in a new window)Stay connected as the RESR team continues pushing the boundaries of hydrogen innovation!