Element 2 £4.1M Pioneering Hydrogen Hub at Teesside Airport: Set to Save 240,000 Tonnes of CO2 Annually

Element 2, a key player in sustainable infrastructure, is contributing to the fight against climate change by announcing the construction of a new, high-volume hydrogen refuelling station at Teesside International Airport, supported by a grant from Innovate UK. This award marks a hat trick of government support for Element 2 this year and a total funding boost of nearly £2.5 million.

In a strategic alliance with Teesside International Airport and Innervated Vehicle Engineering (IVe), this £4.1M project is set to turn Tees Valley into a hub for zero-emission transportation and cutting-edge airside operations by 2024.

The project will see the development of a modern, large-scale hydrogen refuelling station at the airport, supporting a range of long-term trials of commercial vans, led by IVe, as well as additional passenger cars and airside support vehicles, led by Tees Valley Airport. This initiative will enrich the region’s refuelling infrastructure with green hydrogen supply, aiming for a substantial yearly reduction of 240,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

In partnership with IVe, Element 2 is preparing to transform hydrogen vehicle trials into tangible, commercial applications, generating valuable performance data that will fuel further breakthroughs in hydrogen-powered transportation.

This venture is a significant step towards Teesside International Airport’s 2030 net zero target and is poised to amplify the influence of hydrogen energy throughout Tees Valley. Element 2’s investment initiates a ripple effect that extends beyond the airport, marking a major shift towards greener transportation in the region.

Tim Harper, CEO of Element 2, said: “Following on from our previous refuelling investments in Teesside, we are excited to be developing this hydrogen refuelling station in the region and taking real tangible action in the fight against climate change. The strategic location of Teesside Airport, with its proximity to key transport links and major freight depots, provides the perfect platform for this project.

As we expand the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure throughout the UK, projects such as this empower fleet operators to gain proficiency in running zero-emission HGVs. We are looking forward to collaborating with an increasing number of fleets across the region.

Heavy goods vehicles are responsible for almost a third of the UK’s transport emissions, and this allows us to accelerate the shift away from diesel, providing real environmental and health benefits.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We were one of the first areas to trial hydrogen fuels and this is continuing to pay off as we’ve been successful in securing this permanent refuelling station.

“Our airport and, indeed, our whole region continues to be at the forefront of the UK’s net zero ambitions, and this hydrogen station is another step forward to supporting the cleaner, healthier and safer industries of tomorrow. It backs up everything we’re doing in our low-carbon journey, including supporting the production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel – one of the biggest issues facing the industry right now.
“The aim to have Teesside Airport operationally net zero by 2030 is only the beginning, We’re still pioneering offshore, carbon capture and renewable technologies over at Teesworks, to truly cement Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool as the place to do business in innovative and clean technologies.”

Establishing a hydrogen refuelling hub and vehicles at the airport not only builds on the UK’s drive towards decarbonisation but also supports the airport’s drive to become operationally net zero by 2030. Other schemes being championed by the airport include the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by the industry, and a study to establish a local green energy company, including setting up solar panels on land next to the runway, is underway.