Partnership to drive North East green ambitions

A new partnership has been agreed that will help drive a greener future and economic growth in the North East.

Hitachi has signed two international agreements with North East mayor Kim McGuinness and the Port of Tyne, bringing together the company’s global expertise in mobility and energy with the region’s ambitions for greener transport, new jobs and low-carbon infrastructure. 

Formalised in Tokyo, the agreements reflect a growing international partnership focused on innovation, decarbonisation and economic growth.

The first agreement supports the mayor’s goal to transition every local bus in the region to zero-emission within ten years. 

It will draw on Hitachi’s technology and charging solutions to help modernise the bus network, while also exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to enhance digital monitoring of transport vehicles and infrastructure through Hitachi’s HMAX platform.

Mayor McGuinness said: “Japan’s investment in North East England continues and I’m pleased to be meeting the senior leadership team of Hitachi Ltd. and signing two new agreements which will see Hitachi back our plans to transform buses in the North East and boost our clean energy sector.

“We know the Hitachi team well and continue to support the team at the factory in Newton Aycliffe. 

“These new agreements will see us work even more closely in the future, so that our region is able to tap into global best practice and learn from other projects and systems to create a truly world-class transport system which puts the needs of passengers first.

“Hitachi’s leadership in sustainable mobility and green energy will be invaluable as we deliver on our vision for a cleaner, fairer transport system.

“We have big plans for our region’s public transport and I’m determined to transform our transport, bringing buses back into public control and upgrading buses across the region so passengers will be able to see a fully electric fleet within a decade. 

“To make this a reality, we need to work closely with partners like Hitachi to ensure we learn what has worked well elsewhere in the world and how we might take advantage of the tech in the North East.”

The second agreement centres on the development of a “Smart Port of the Future” at the Port of Tyne, with Hitachi and regional partners assessing plans for a clean e-fuels hub capable of supporting on-site production and reducing emissions from maritime transport. 

Alongside this, the collaboration will focus on digital innovation, clean energy infrastructure and skills development.

Matt Beeton, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, added: “Today’s agreement strengthens Port of Tyne’s position as a leader in low-carbon logistics, combining Hitachi’s global expertise with our ambition for a world-class hub for passengers and freight. 

“It is a decisive step towards creating the UK’s first zero-emissions port, powered by smart technology and green innovation, driving new investment and sustainable growth for the region.”

Andrew Barr, president of Hitachi Europe Ltd., added: “Hitachi is proud to partner with the North East, Port of Tyne and Mayor Kim McGuinness on these important initiatives. 

“Across Europe and around the world, we’re using our strengths in sustainable mobility and clean energy to help cities and regions tackle their biggest challenges – from decarbonising transport to creating the green jobs of the future.

“Working closely with forward-thinking local governments like the North East Mayoral Combined Authority allows us to combine global expertise with local ambition.

“Public-private partnership and knowledge sharing is how we believe devolution will deliver tangible benefits in the region, while also taking a regional approach to Industrial Strategy.

“This collaboration reflects the spirit of True One Hitachi – combining our capabilities across energy, mobility, and digital technologies through our Strategic Social Innovation Business Unit to deliver innovative solutions that make transport greener, energy cleaner, and communities stronger.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →