UK’s Leap into Green Hydrogen Transportation
The UK government has announced a substantial £7 million investment in the Tees Valley to establish a green hydrogen refuelling station near Middlesbrough. This pioneering project is set to revolutionize the transport network in the North East, driving economic growth and supporting the shift towards decarbonisation.
Investing in Sustainable Deliveries
The funding, awarded to Exolum, will facilitate the construction of a publicly accessible green hydrogen refuelling station. Initially, the station will serve at least 25 new zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), ensuring thousands of goods, from supermarket groceries to new clothes, are delivered sustainably in the area.
Trailblazing in Green Hydrogen Technology
This government-funded hydrogen transport hub, the first in the country, demonstrates how green hydrogen can be effectively used in transport. This initiative will not only improve air quality in the Tees Valley but also support hundreds of skilled jobs and upskilling opportunities.
Government and Local Authorities Taking the Lead
Ministers’ Perspectives
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, highlighted the Tees Valley’s role as a trailblazer in green hydrogen technology. Similarly, Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Minister, Lord Callanan, praised the project for giving a new meaning to green groceries with hydrogen-powered delivery vehicles.
Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, emphasized the region’s leadership in developing cleaner and safer transport. He pointed out the significance of this project in driving local economic growth and job creation.
Upskilling and Workforce Development
Fostering Local Talent
The Tees Valley Combined Authority will use part of the funding to run a competition for local colleges and training institutions. This will enable them to purchase hydrogen training equipment, helping to upskill the local workforce in line with the growing industry demands.
The hub’s success has sparked interest from several developers in building large-scale green hydrogen production facilities in the area. This increased production capacity will support the growing demand for hydrogen-fuelled transport and other applications.
Complementing National Hydrogen Initiatives
The UK’s commitment to building a leading hydrogen industry is evident, with recent investments in green hydrogen production projects, including the Tees Green hydrogen project by EDF. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to provide cleaner fuel for UK businesses and consumers.
Future Implications and Industry Collaboration
Exolum’s Role in Green Energy
Andres Suarez, Exolum Clean Energies Lead, expressed the company’s ambition to be a key player in green hydrogen technology. He noted Exolum’s commitment to decarbonising sectors challenging to electrify, such as heavy-duty mobility, through projects in the UK and internationally.
Building a Hydrogen-Powered Future
The UK’s investment in the Tees Valley hydrogen hub is a strategic move to position the region at the forefront of the hydrogen transport sector. This initiative promises to bring new skills, jobs, exports, and growth, as well as valuable insights for future policy and strategy in the field.
Sources: THX News, Department for Transport, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Anthony Browne MP, & Lord Callanan.
