Government funding is being allocated to new projects that will support decarbonised transport projects in the North East.
Through the Department for Transport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, £7 million of government investment will be used to build a publicly accessible green hydrogen refuelling station near Middlesbrough. This will initially support at least 25 zero-emission heavy goods vehicles that are making deliveries, with thousands of goods being delivered around the region sustainably.
This project is the first of its kind in the country, with a drive to prove that green hydrogen can be used in transport, with no harmful emissions being produced. Not only will this help to improve the quality of the air for local communities but will also support the delivery of hundreds of new skilled jobs, alongside further upskilling opportunities.
Anthony Browne, Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation, said:
“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.”
A competition will also be launched by Tees Valley Combined Authority, using £300,000 of government funding, to allow colleges and training institutions to buy hydrogen training equipment that will support the upskilling of local workers.
This entire project is helping to position the Tees Valley region as a national leader in hydrogen transport, with skills, jobs, exports and growth coming as a result. Future policy, strategy and investment decisions will also be supported through the evidence and experience that is taken away from these developments.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also commented:
“Our area is leading the way in developing the cleaner, healthier and safer transport of the future. This is another great example of how we are creating innovative solutions, such as greener deliveries to our supermarkets. 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.”
Image credit: iStock
