In 2020, the UK Government unveiled an ambitious vision for the Tees Valley, aspiring to transform it into the nation’s premier hydrogen transport hub.
This vision took a significant step towards realization as the Department for Transport (DfT) announced a £7 million funding package for fuel distributor Exolum on January 17, 2024.
Exolum will utilize the funding to establish a publicly accessible refueling station near Middlesbrough, providing green hydrogen for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). This hydrogen will be generated through electrolyzer systems powered by renewable electricity. The hub, initially serving at least 25 HGVs daily, aims to encourage large corporations and local businesses to transition from diesel-powered HGVs to hydrogen fuel cell alternatives. These alternatives not only produce no tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to reducing air pollution.
This initiative is part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub’s second round of funding, supporting three local hydrogen projects. Last August, the DfT had confirmed a multi-million pound investment for additional public refueling stations and hydrogen-powered ground support vehicles at Teesside International Airport.
Transport has been the highest-emitting sector in the UK since 2016, surpassing power generation due to coal phase-down. Road transport, contributing significantly to the sector’s emissions, accounted for 23% of the UK’s emissions in 2022. The Climate Change Committee emphasized the slow progression of policies in the transport sector, with only “credible” measures in place to achieve 38% of the required emissions reductions up to the mid-2030s.
In addition to infrastructure funding, the DfT is allocating £300,000 to local colleges and training providers. This financial support aims to facilitate the purchase of hydrogen training equipment, enabling the institutions to conduct practical hydrogen courses for existing workers and young learners. The funding will be distributed through a competitive application process.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen emphasized the importance of developing skills parallelly with major hydrogen projects. He highlighted the vital role of this funding in ensuring that the local workforce can seize the employment opportunities generated by the burgeoning hydrogen technology.
