In this feature, Simon shares how his time at Cranfield shaped his passion for sustainable technologies and set the foundation for his groundbreaking work in green hydrogen production. From developing cutting-edge electrolysers to delivering landmark projects, his contributions are driving meaningful change in the global energy transition.
SWAG合集 is proud to announce Dr Simon Bourne (PhD in the School of Mechanical Engineering 2000), Chief Technology Officer at ITM Power, as the recipient of the 2024 Cranfield Distinguished Manufacturing and Materials Alumni Award. Simon鈥檚 extraordinary contributions to the clean energy sector, particularly in green hydrogen production, have earned him this prestigious accolade.
A career fuelled by innovation and impact
Simon completed his PhD in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Cranfield in 2000, where he first encountered the transformative technologies that would shape his career. Reflecting on his journey, Simon shared, "My PhD at Cranfield introduced me to new materials, structured research, and innovative people. It was here that I first discovered the technology at the heart of fuel cells and electrolysers and recognised the critical role hydrogen plays in the energy transition. Pursuing this was an opportunity I couldn鈥檛 turn down."
His career has been a remarkable sequence of impactful achievements, beginning with roles at the Ministry of Defence and Sonatest, where he honed his expertise in ultrasonic testing and engineering. These experiences laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work at ITM Power, a leading manufacturer of electrolysers for green hydrogen production.
Since joining ITM Power in 2002 as a Research Manager, Simon has advanced through several leadership roles, shaping and commercialising the company鈥檚 core technology. His efforts have led to significant milestones, including the world鈥檚 first PEM Power-to-Gas system in 2013 and the deployment of two of Europe鈥檚 largest PEM electrolysers - one installed at Shell鈥檚 Energy and Chemicals Park in Wesseling, Germany and the other at Yara鈥檚 Her酶ya Industrial Park in Porsgrunn, Norway. These projects exemplify his ability to bridge cutting-edge technology with real-world applications, driving the global transition to sustainable energy.
A personal philosophy of discovery and perseverance
Simon鈥檚 passion for science and technology stems from his early curiosity about how things work. "As a child, it felt like anyone who understood science and technology had the ability to do new things that weren't previously possible. That sense of possibility captivated me," he recalls.
Yet, his path to success wasn鈥檛 always smooth. He candidly shares how failing the majority of his second-year exams during his undergraduate degree taught him the value of perseverance. "That experience of being forced to sit down and work at the re-sits didn鈥檛 help my final degree result, but it showed me that the most challenging subjects are understandable if you put in the time. It also taught me a valuable lesson about perseverance" he says.
Simon鈥檚 advice to new graduates reflects his own journey: "Take opportunities as they arise and make the most of them."
Honoured to make a difference
Receiving the award, Simon expressed his gratitude: "I am honoured to receive this award. I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered such a rich field of research and development early in my career during my PhD at Cranfield. My role as CTO at ITM Power has allowed me to combine my passion for technology with my commitment to addressing climate change. The opportunity to contribute to solutions that positively impact society is truly fulfilling."
Simon credits his success to the collaborative efforts of talented colleagues and the unwavering support of family and friends. He remains motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of clean energy innovation.
From defence research to horse riding
Outside of his professional achievements, Simon has had some unique experiences. During his time at the Ministry of Defence, he was trained to fire various weapons as part of his research into body armour development. He has also learned to ride horses with the help of his wife and begrudgingly taken part in entry-level competitions.
Dr Simon Bourne鈥檚 visionary leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to sustainability make him a trailblazer in clean energy and an exemplary alumnus of SWAG合集. We congratulate him on his well-deserved recognition and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of his work on the global energy landscape.
