EVENTS

Explore how AI-driven decision tools can transform hydrogen supply chains, unlocking smarter planning, greater efficiency, and faster pathways to scale.

About the session

This session will explore how AI-driven decision tools can improve efficiency and coordination across emerging hydrogen supply chains. It will be delivered by Dr Shuya Zhong, Associate Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the University of Bath, who has recently been awarded a SPRINT research project to upgrade the HyChain platform (hychain.co.uk). This initiative transforms HyChain into a Generative AI-driven hydrogen supply chain decision-making platform designed to empower businesses to autonomously navigate hydrogen opportunities and de-risk their transition.

As the hydrogen economy expands, supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, involving production, storage, distribution and end-use coordination across multiple stakeholders. Digital tools and AI-based optimisation are emerging as critical enablers for making these systems efficient, resilient and investment-ready.

Conceptualised and created by Dr Shuya Zhong and Prof Mi Tian, the HyChain platform enables users to model hydrogen supply chains and assess technology options. The platform is currently being enhanced through technical dialogue with industry partner digiLab. The primary focus of this upgrade is the implementation of a Generative AI-powered guidance layer to provide an interactive, conversational experience throughout the entire user journey. The upgraded HyChain will offer step-by-step support, translating complex technical inputs and analytical outputs into actionable business insights, thereby democratising access to expert-level decision support. Scheduled for full release in September 2026, this AI-enhanced platform will enable users to interpret results and evaluate strategic options with confidence. This initiative will directly accelerate the wider adoption of hydrogen across SMEs in South West, South Wales, and beyond, helping to build a more capable, inclusive and future-ready hydrogen economy.

A Beta version of the platform will be launched in late June 2026, and we are currently inviting interested stakeholders to join our pilot group to test the platform free of charge. Full details on how to access the Beta version and participate in this validation phase will be shared during the webinar.

This session will introduce the HyChain platform and examine how AI-driven modelling can support better hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain decisions. It will address key questions such as:

• How can AI improve hydrogen supply chain design and operational planning?
• How can decision support tools reduce risk and improve investment confidence?
• How can conversational decision support tools translate industry jargon into easy-to-understand guidance for those without a technical background?
• What role can digital platforms play in accelerating hydrogen deployment at scale?

Agenda

• 12:00 – 12:10 – Welcome and introduction
• 12:10 – 12:45 – Keynote presentation – Shuya Zhong and Mi Tian
• 12:45 – 13:00 – Q&A session – discussion on AI, hydrogen systems, and decision support systems

Meet the speakers

Shuya Zhong, Associate Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, University of Bath

Shuya joined the University of Bath in 2023. Her research focuses on enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of renewable energy (offshore wind and hydrogen) supply chains by applying innovative modelling and optimisation methods.

 

 

 

Mi Tian, Professor of Sustainable Hydrogen Energy, University of Bath

Mi Tian is a researcher specialising in hydrogen storage technologies. With a PhD in Materials Science and extensive experience in neutron scattering and high-pressure gas adsorption, her goal is to lead a pioneering research group in sustainable energy solutions.

 

 

 

Who should attend?

• SMEs and industrial leaders looking to explore hydrogen options
• Energy systems researchers and engineers
• Hydrogen developers and infrastructure planners
• Policymakers, regulators, and industrial cluster managers
• Investors and analysts in clean energy
• Digital and AI practitioners in energy applications

Register now to secure your place and explore how AI-driven tools like HyChain can support smarter hydrogen system design and deployment.

Register now to secure your place