St Helens Borough Council recognise the important role hydrogen will play in meeting its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. It has invested in FAUN Zoeller’s Bluepower, a hydrogen-electric hybrid vehicle that uses an electric motor for drive and a hydrogen fuel cell to charge the battery while the vehicle is operating, meaning zero carbon emissions while in operation. The Bluepower is dramatically quieter than traditional diesel vehicles and has been successfully piloted in Germany over the past two years. The council is hoping to invest in additional Bluepower vehicles in the future.
Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our aspiration is to be at the forefront of a green revolution taking place in the region – investing in renewables, diversifying the green skills of our workforce, future-proofing our services, hosting cutting-edge decarbonisation projects in industry and fostering climate action locally at grassroots. This vehicle represents our faith in the renewables sector as both a service provider and employer, and our commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040, and I’m delighted to see it arrive in the borough.”
Brendan Bilton, Chief Technology Officer, Element 2, added: “St Helens Borough Council is committed to tackling carbon emission in an effective, efficient and safe way today. We are delighted to be working with them and FAUN Zoeller. Our hydrogen is sourced locally and will support the development of a green circular economy in the region.”