First HGV ‘Hydrogen corridor’ set for M4

The £14 million investment includes the purchase of three hydrogen refuelling stations and is the largest of its kind ever in UK hydrogen heavy duty vehicle refuelling. The initiative officially launches the government-backed HyHaul project, which is part of the Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.

Victoria Saunders, innovation lead – Hydrogen in Transport at Innovate UK, said: "This announcement marks a crucial step forward for HyHaul Mobility in establishing a pioneering hydrogen HGV refuelling network across the UK. Innovate UK is delighted to support the delivery of this ambitious project, which is vital for accelerating the transition to decarbonised heavy-duty transport."

Transport and green hydrogen industry leaders Novuna, Scania Group, Reynolds Logistics and Protium have joined forces with HyHaul Mobility to demonstrate how a strategic network of hydrogen infrastructure can deliver annual savings of 1,900 tonnes of CO2.

The UK Government has a target to end the sale of all new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040. However, their weight and the distance they travel make them difficult to decarbonise. Hydrogen vehicles offer a range and refuelling time that is similar to fossil-fuelled vehicles, meaning many logistics companies believe the technology could be the right options for their needs.

Chris Jackson, chairman of HyHaul Mobility and Protium CEO, said: “Nearly four years since the project was first conceptualised, it is exciting to see the UK take its first concrete steps towards commercialising hydrogen heavy duty transport applications at scale. HyHaul will be the pioneer that unlocks part of the UK’s decarbonisation journey, as we are incredibly excited to be leading the charge together with our incredible partners.”

Recent research published by the UK Road Haulage Association found that 12% of predominantly larger HGV operators (fleets of 25+ vehicles) plan to bring hydrogen vehicles into their fleets within the next five years. Lack of public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure was listed as the top barrier to adoption, an issue that HyHaul will directly help to address.