Teesside Airport is making strides towards a greener future with the latest plans for a hydrogen refuelling station. The proposal has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council, marking a significant step forward in the airport’s sustainability journey. This new station will be one of four being set up in the area as part of the Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub, which is funded by the UK Government.
A Pioneering Move Towards Clean Energy
The hydrogen refuelling station at Teesside Airport is part of a broader initiative to establish hydrogen as a viable alternative to traditional fuels. The station will serve a variety of vehicles, including airport vehicles, delivery trucks, and vans that are powered by hydrogen. This is a forward-thinking move that aligns with the global push towards cleaner energy sources.
Read Also: Why Indian Students Are Opting for Higher Education in the UK in 2024
Element 2 Leads the Charge
The company behind this initiative is Element 2, a leader in hydrogen refuelling technology. Since its founding in 2020, Element 2 has successfully completed over 1,500 refuelling events across different locations. The new station at Teesside Airport will be located on land near the former St George Hotel, adding to the airport’s green energy capabilities.
Element 2’s involvement ensures that the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling will be in place, paving the way for more widespread use of hydrogen as a transport fuel. The company’s track record speaks for itself, as they have provided reliable and safe refuelling services to a variety of customers and vehicle types.
Aiming for Net Zero by 2030
Teesside Airport is not just focused on expanding its services but also on reducing its carbon footprint. The airport has set an ambitious goal to achieve operational net zero by 2030. This hydrogen refuelling station is a critical component of that plan. It will help reduce the airport’s reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to its overall sustainability efforts.
Phil Forster, the Managing Director of Teesside Airport, emphasized the importance of this project. He stated, “We’re all working very hard to make Teesside a modern airport pushing boundaries and making people proud. We’re flying more people to more destinations, but we’re also adding more strings to our bow, with our cargo facility, the business park, new hangars, and our green energy ambitions.”
Pushing Boundaries with Innovation
Teesside Airport is not just about flights and cargo. The airport is also a hub of innovation. It is already pioneering the use of 5G technology, and now it is set to lead the way in clean energy fuels. This hydrogen refuelling station will be a key part of the airport’s strategy to become a leader in sustainable aviation.
The addition of the hydrogen station will also boost the airport’s credentials as a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious facility. It will serve as a model for other airports looking to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt cleaner energy sources.
The Bigger Picture
The Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub, of which this station is a part, is a government-backed initiative aimed at promoting the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel across the region. The establishment of these stations will make it easier for companies and individuals to switch to hydrogen-powered vehicles, which produce zero emissions and are much better for the environment.
With government funding and the expertise of companies like Element 2, the Tees Valley region is poised to become a leader in hydrogen technology. The refuelling station at Teesside Airport is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is a significant one. It represents a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the airport and the region as a whole.
Read Also: David Lammy Visit to India Aims to Strengthen UK-India Relations
Conclusion
The submission of plans for a hydrogen refuelling station at Teesside Airport is a crucial step towards the airport’s goal of becoming a net zero operation by 2030. With the backing of the UK Government and the expertise of Element 2, Teesside Airport is well on its way to leading the charge in clean energy within the aviation industry.
As the world moves towards more sustainable energy sources, projects like this one will be essential in reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment for future generations. Teesside Airport is not just flying high in the skies, but also in its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
