£3m boost for hydrogen transport hub

PLANS TO develop the UK’s first hydrogen transport hub have been given a £3m funding boost.

The Department for Transport says the money will support the creation of facilities in the Tees Valley region of north-east England to research and trial the use of hydrogen as a fuel across all transport modes.

A “masterplan” for the site has been published.

It could be fully operational by 2025 and help to create up to 5,000 jobs in the region, the DfT added.

Hydrogen can be used as a fuel by combining it with oxygen to produce electricity, water and heat.

Ministers hope the technology can help the UK cut its reliance on fossil fuels and meet its target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “By harnessing the power of hydrogen technology, we have the opportunity to bring long-term prosperity right across the country.

“The hub will establish the UK as a global leader in hydrogen technology, paving the way for its use across all transport modes and propelling us towards our net-zero goals.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are “powering forward the UK’s clean energy ambitions” through hydrogen, offshore wind farm manufacturing and carbon capture technology.

The Government announced earlier this month it would also provide £4.8m to support the development of a hydrogen hub in Holyhead, North Wales, subject to a business case.

This site would pilot the creation of hydrogen from renewable energy and its use as a zero-emission fuel for lorries.