The project will see the airport have commercial and support vehicles fitted with 100% hydrogen zero emissions engines

Teesside Airport has announced that it will become one of the first areas in the UK to test hydrogen technology in its airport vehicles, with the aim to show how hydrogen fuelled cars and trucks can be quick and easy to drive and refuel, cleaning up the air in local areas and helping to meet net zero targets.

As part of the programme, a ground support tug, will be converted to run on hydrogen by ULEMCo, a global leader in hydrogen commercial vehicle conversion, while car manufacturer Toyota will supply two Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with a range of around 400 miles, as well as a forklift truck.

Another project will see Toyota placing a number of its hydrogen vehicles with the region’s rapid response services, such as emergency response units for the Cleveland Police and NHS patient support.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “This is yet another huge boost for Teesside, putting our region at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution and developing fuels of the future. Following our multi-million-pound redevelopment of our passenger terminal it’s only right we ensure our ground operations vehicles are fit-for-purpose and helping lead the region’s clean energy ambitions. I want Teesside Airport to be first hydrogen ready airport in the UK and this is the first important step.”

In an announcement made in September 2020, the Tees Valley was announced as the UK’s first hydrogen transport hub that, in partnership with Teesside University, will form an innovation campus focussed on clean energy research and development (R&D).

Not only will it lead R&D for aviation, but it will also do so for cars, buses, trains, lorries and boats.