LAMA event explores hydrogen’s role in energy transition

Hickman Shearer Limited recently hosted a successful Leasing Asset Managers Association (LAMA) event at the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre.

The event brought together professionals from across asset management, leasing and credit risk to explore the evolving role of hydrogen in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Held at the heart of Tyseley Energy Park, the event provided attendees with direct access to cutting-edge research and real-world applications currently shaping the future of energy, transport and industrial processes.

Experts from the University of Birmingham presented a broad range of pioneering projects, highlighting the increasing maturity of hydrogen technologies.

These included developments in fuel cells, hydrogen integration within existing energy systems, and advancements in transport materials.

A key area of focus was the recovery of rare earth magnets from end-of-life electric motors, an essential process underpinning the circular economy. The use of hydrogen in extracting neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-FeB) magnets demonstrated the critical role the technology can play not only in energy generation but also in resource recovery and sustainability.

Attendees also had the opportunity to experience hydrogen infrastructure first-hand, including close-up access to transport and refuelling equipment, reinforcing the tangible progress being made in bringing hydrogen solutions to market.

A keynote address from Tim Campbell of Campbells Consultancy provided a fascinating and comprehensive overview of how commercial vehicle fleets are responding to increasing regulatory pressure, including upcoming EU zero-emission mandates.

While battery electric vehicles are widely regarded as the most viable near-term solution for the UK market, discussions throughout the day highlighted the challenges associated with total cost of ownership, infrastructure readiness and operational constraints, particularly for long-haul transport.

Hydrogen was positioned as a complementary solution, with strong potential in applications where electrification alone may not be sufficient.

The conversation also explored the practical implications of transitioning fleets, including vehicle configurations, payload limitations and the potential need for regulatory adjustments. These factors have direct consequences for asset values, financing structures and long-term investment strategies.

For asset managers, valuers and lenders, the insights shared throughout the event reinforced the scale of change ahead.

• The transition to zero-emission technologies is expected to reshape:
• Asset lifecycles and obsolescence timelines
• Residual value assumptions
• Secondary market dynamics

At the same time, the shift presents new opportunities. Higher capital costs for zero-emission vehicles may increase overall funding requirements, creating potential for growth within asset finance markets.

However, a recurring theme throughout the event was that technology alone will not define the transition. Behavioural change, across operators, manufacturers and financiers, will be critical in enabling widespread adoption.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration between academia, industry and finance in navigating the energy transition. While regional differences in infrastructure, energy costs and policy continue to shape adoption pathways, the UK remains actively engaged in addressing key technical and commercial challenges associated with hydrogen.

Hickman Shearer Limited extends its thanks to all speakers, contributors and attendees for making the LAMA event a valuable and insightful forum for discussion.

About LAMA

The Leasing Asset Managers Association is a professional network that brings together asset managers, valuers, lenders and industry specialists operating across the asset finance and leasing sectors.

At its core, LAMA exists to facilitate knowledge sharing, industry collaboration and informed discussion around the key issues shaping asset risk, valuation and lifecycle management. Through a programme of in-person events, site visits and expert-led discussions, LAMA provides a platform for professionals to engage directly with emerging technologies, market trends and regulatory developments.

By connecting professionals across disciplines, from asset valuation and credit risk to engineering and infrastructure, LAMA supports better-informed decision-making and promotes best practice across the asset finance community.

Find out more at: https://hickman-shearer.co.uk/lama/