New Government funding will help boost the uptake of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the UK as experts praise the new transport hub.
A total of £7million has been invested into Tees Valley for hydrogen projects including new refuelling stations for fuel cell vehicles.
Exolum has been provided with funding to build a publicly accessible green hydrogen refuelling station near Middlesbrough.
It is believed the station will serve at least 25 new zero emission heavy goods vehicles making deliveries around the area.
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More than £2billion has been invested into the UK's hydrogen industry
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The hydrogen transport hub is the first of its kind in the country and will make use of green hydrogen, which does not produce any harmful emissions.
Anthony Browne, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, said the refuelling station would have a huge impact on the Tees Valley and boost the economy.
He added: “It’s fantastic to see the Tees Valley continue to be a trailblazer in this vital technology to decarbonise heavier vehicles – leading the way for the wider rollout of green hydrogen.
“These three winning projects will not only support jobs and economic growth in the Tees Valley but will also help decarbonise our transport network.”
It follows the news that two winning projects will develop hydrogen-powered airport ground-based support vehicles and create new hydrogen refuelling stations.
The Government has provided over £2.6million to deploy 21 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as part of the first Government competition.
The second competition saw companies develop new ideas to boost the use of hydrogen-fuelled vans and HGVs in Tees Valley.
Ben Bouchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “Our area is leading the way in developing the cleaner, healthier and safer transport of the future.
“As the UK’s first hydrogen transport hub, we are in a fantastic position to take advantage of projects such as this, which will deliver further jobs and investment needed to drive our local economy forward.
“As more of these major projects are confirmed, it’s also essential that we develop skills in our workforce, so this funding is vital to ensure local people can take advantage of the well-paid jobs this new technology is bringing.”
In the December 2023 Hydrogen Strategy Delivery Update, Government data shows that there are around 265 hydrogen vehicles on the road across the UK.
There are eight publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations, with four more planned through Government funding and private investment.
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Hydrogen buses are already being used at Gatwick Airport
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As highlighted by Lord Callanan, the Government has committed £2billion for 11 green hydrogen production projects.
The Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance said the UK was building a “world-leading hydrogen industry”.