Transport Secretary Mark Harper has announced two pioneering projects as winners of the second phase of the government’s £8 million competition to advance hydrogen-powered transport in the North East. This initiative aims to not only boost the economy but also create a greener and more efficient transport ecosystem.
The first winning project, led by ULEMCo, has secured a share of the funding to develop hydrogen-powered ground-based support vehicles for airports. These innovative vehicles, including aircraft tow trucks and runway sweepers, will be based at Teesside International Airport. This bold step will contribute significantly to the airport’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Another triumphant endeavor, led by Element 2, focuses on establishing new hydrogen refueling stations. These refueling stations will play a pivotal role in scaling up hydrogen as a fuel source, thereby supporting the growth of hydrogen-powered vehicles. With this funding, four publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations will be built, marking a 50% increase in refueling stations across the UK. These stations will serve a wide range of vehicles, from airside machinery to heavy goods vehicles, including the delivery trucks that frequent our supermarkets.
In tandem with these projects, the announcement includes a £300,000 allocation to local colleges to foster skill development and upskilling of the regional workforce. This investment will cultivate a specialized skills base, nurturing a pipeline of talent that reinforces the Tees Valley’s reputation as a hub for hydrogen innovation.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized the potential of hydrogen technology in decarbonizing transport while spurring economic growth. He praised the Tees Valley’s expertise and pioneering spirit in hydrogen technology development. The funding is expected to bolster the economy, create skilled employment opportunities, and accelerate the journey toward a net-zero future.
Hydrogen fuel cells, already utilized in buses across the UK, offer a promising solution for decarbonizing complex vehicles like airside equipment. As these fuel cells produce zero harmful emissions, they hold the potential to revolutionize the transport sector by offering an environmentally friendly alternative that can withstand fluctuating global energy prices.
Furthermore, the funding announcement underscores the growing significance of the UK’s sole hydrogen transport hub, further attracting innovation, investments, and jobs to the Tees Valley region. The competition solicited ideas to address challenges in scaling up hydrogen technology, including large-scale refueling and greening the supply chain through the deployment of hydrogen-fueled vans and heavy goods vehicles.
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, underscored the airport’s commitment to responsible and sustainable operations. The new hydrogen refueling station is not only a testament to the airport’s pioneering spirit but also a leap toward propelling both the aviation industry and the clean energy sector forward.
This recent funding infusion follows the success of the first round of the government competition, which directed over £2.6 million to various initiatives focused on developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. These efforts included collaborations with prominent entities like Toyota and Hydrogen Vehicle Systems.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen celebrated the region’s ongoing contributions to hydrogen fuels, emphasizing the pivotal role of the hydrogen station in supporting cleaner, healthier, and safer industries. This achievement is aligned with the broader low-carbon journey undertaken by the region, including endeavors in sustainable aviation fuel and renewable technologies.
Since its inception in 2020, the Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub has garnered significant government funding and private investment. The projected impact is substantial, with estimates suggesting that the hydrogen sector could generate over 12,000 jobs nationally and attract more than £9 billion in private investment by 2030.
Innovate UK’s Executive Director for Net Zero, Mike Biddle, hailed the new projects as crucial contributors to the partnership between Innovate UK and the Department for Transport (DfT) in advancing technologies for transport decarbonization. The investments not only drive decarbonization but also invigorate local economies like the Tees Valley, promoting innovation, skills development, and business growth.
As hydrogen-powered transport gains momentum, these winning projects stand as shining examples of the UK’s commitment to green innovation, economic growth, and sustainable mobility. With a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner fuel sources, these endeavors are poised to reshape the future of transportation in the North East and beyond.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
