The investment marks next step in UK’s progress towards meeting net zero ambitions ahead of Glasgow hosting COP 26 next year.
Glasgow is embracing green hydrogen as the UK takes another big step forward towards its net-zero future, Transport Minister Rachel Maclean announced today (30 September), with the world’s largest number of hydrogen-powered refuse vehicles to take to the city’s streets.
Through the Government’s £23m Hydrogen for Transport Programme, the plans announced today include £6.3m funding for a green hydrogen refuelling station and 19 refuse trucks.
These will be amongst the first zero emission hydrogen refuse collection lorries developed in the UK and will give a post-Covid boost through the creation of green jobs while also de-carbonising transport.
The hydrogen refuelling station will be the first of its kind in Glasgow, producing green hydrogen in a safe, reliable and cost-effective way.
As we continue to build on our greenprint for the future post-Covid19 we know that to really harness the power of transport to improve our country – and to set a global gold standard – we must truly embed change.
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “As we continue to build on our greenprint for the future post-Covid19 we know that to really harness the power of transport to improve our country – and to set a global gold standard – we must truly embed change.
“That’s why I’m delighted that the UK is leading the way once again and Glasgow will be home to one of the world’s largest fleet of hydrogen refuse vehicles, showcasing how the UK is at the forefront of green transport technology ahead of hosting COP 26 next year.”
The UK government has also announced wider plans to drive forward progress on net zero ambitions by creating a new Hydrogen Transport Hub in Tees Valley to accelerate the UK’s take up of hydrogen technology, and paving way for exploring how green hydrogen could power buses, HGV, rail, maritime and aviation transport across the UK.
This comes alongside the start of trials for these trials, which have been supported with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport, follow almost two years’ development work and more than £1million of investment by both Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “The UK Government is doing everything possible to help our economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic and protect the environment.
“This £6.3 million investment in hydrogen-powered refuse vehicles and a refuelling station for Glasgow is a further sign of our commitment to a green recovery.”