Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub

Background:

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Transport (DfT) engaged Element 2 to provide hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and fuel for seven hydrogen vehicles trials across Tees Valley. The Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub – the first of its kind in the UK – brings government, industry and academia to research, test and trial transport modes as we build back greener from the pandemic. Creating real-world hydrogen transport pilots will help us understand hydrogen’s role in meeting our 2050 net zero ambitions.

Objectives:

• To provide mobile refuelling and low-carbon hydrogen supply.
• To deliver sustainable solutions for across all seven projects.
• To engage and support those on the trial, to maximise confidence in hydrogen.

Challenges:

For this complex project, we needed to provide infrastructure and hydrogen refuelling for seven different projects, 20 vehicles, and up to 300kg/day of hydrogen across three regional locations. OEMs included: Toyota, Caetano Buses, Wrightbus, Electra, HV Systems, Ricardo, Arcola, Ulemco. Customers included: ASDA, Sainsburys, Stagecoach buses, Anglo American, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Blue Light Commercials (NHS & Police). We also needed to deliver the trials in six months (January to June 2022), including mobilisation, retailing operations and any relocations required.

Solution:

• By placing three mobile refuelling stations across the Teesside region (bus depots, airports and MoD sites), we could support all trial customers.
• We supplied clean, low carbon hydrogen, sourced through our distributed network of producers.
• We worked with vehicle OEMs and fleet customers to raise awareness and engagement in hydrogen safety, logistics and value.
• We worked closely with local suppliers and partners (e.g. engineering firms, producers and contractors) to ensure the programme delivered benefits to the local economy.

Results:

• Programme delivered to time, and to cost; we will oversee project completion in June 2022.
• Completed the UK’s first hydrogen refuelling of a Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET).
• Retailed over 1,000kg of hydrogen to support buses, trucks, cars and industrial vehicles.
• Invested over £200k in the regional economy, supporting local businesses and suppliers.

“The trial of these vehicles and refuelling station is just one of many ground-breaking hydrogen initiatives taking part across Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington right now, to understand its potential and pave the way for the cleaner, safer and healthier industries of the future.” Ben Houchen – Tees Valley Mayor