Teesside International Airport is set to benefit from a new hydrogen refuelling station as part of an £8 million investment by the UK government.
The airport previously hosted a temporary hub as a part of a regional trial in 2021, but with government investment the new infrastructure, led by Element 2, will be permanent by late 2024 and early 2025.
Mark Harper, transport secretary, said: “Hydrogen technology has great potential to decarbonise transport and help grow the economy.
“[Element 2] illustrates the expertise the Tees Valley has as a pioneer in developing hydrogen tech.
“This investment will provide a further boost to the economy, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the North East.”
“Teesside is helping to pioneer both the aviation industry”
PHIL FORSTER, MME MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor, added that “the aim to have Teesside airport operationally net zero by 2030 is only the beginning”.
The government says the move will increase the number of refuelling stations in the UK by 50%.
Phil Forster, MME managing director, said: “We’re working hard to make Teesside an airport people can be proud of – and that doesn’t just mean flying to the destinations people love.
“It’s about acting responsibly, for the good of our local people and businesses and the future of our planet.
“This hydrogen refuelling station does just that, by proving this new technology is safe and reliable, and can be used across all sorts of applications,” he continued.
“This makes it clear Teesside is helping to pioneer both the aviation industry and the clean energy sector.”
