Tees Valley bid to become hydrogen powerhouse gets £220k funding

A project to turn the Tees Valley into a UK powerhouse for hydrogen transport has secured a £220k boost.

Mayor Ben Houchen is working with the Tees Valley Combined Authority on a bid to the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles that could bring a fleet of hydrogen road vehicles and refuelling infrastructure to the region.

A successful bid is expected to unlock up to £40m for the development of fuel stations across the Tees Valley.

Cars, buses, bin lorries and trains could all use the stations to top up on the emission-free super fuel.

Mayor Houchen signed off £140k to develop the bid and partner with Middlesbrough engineering firm TWI, which has pledged £80k to deliver the expertise needed to bring the region’s hydrogen aspirations to fruition.

Mayor Houchen said: “Creating the jobs of tomorrow means investing in the right technology today.

“We already produce 50% of the UK’s hydrogen, so properly utilising it will allow us to keep manufacturing jobs in the Tees Valley and build on the global drive to cut carbon emissions, rather than be held back by it.”

He added: “This investment means will help us to put the Tees Valley on the map for hydrogen, not just in the UK but globally.”

TWI’s strategic fund manager, Chris Beck, commented: “We’re confident that hydrogen will play a key part in the development of the region for years to come, and we are excited to be involved in shaping the future of energy and the Tees Valley economy.

“Our history in power generation and hydrogen research shows our experience in the sector. The backing to attract unparalleled expertise to the area will give us the resources and capacity to put our skills into action.”

A draft report commissioned by the Combined Authority, produced by professional services firm KPMG, suggested that exploiting hydrogen economy opportunities could add as much as £7bn to the Tees Valley economy between now and 2050, creating up to 1,000 jobs.