Teesside research on ‘transformative potential’ of hydrogen presented to MPs

NET Zero experts from the Tees Valley have travelled to Westminster to showcase their research on the “transformative potential” of the hydrogen economy.

The Research England Hydrogen Innovation Project (REHIP) – an £11m collaboration between Teesside and Durham University with £4.8m provided by Research England – has funded a range of transportation projects.

Now, two white policy papers, produced from the ground-breaking studies on Teesside, have been presented at the All-Party Parliamentary Group Business Fair at Westminster in the hope that they help shape national strategy and recognise the importance of Teesside as a green energy hub.

Simon Bradshaw, Project Manager based at the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, in Middlesbrough, explained: “The team met MPs and their support teams, civil servants and business leaders to showcase the outcome of our studies and follow up discussions are planned with some of the local MPs in the Tees Valley.”

One white paper focuses on the Fuel Choice project, which has analysed how the Tees Valley can decarbonize transport across road, rail, aviation and port activity in a way that is technically feasible, economically credible, and publicly acceptable.

Evidence from the project is being used to inform policy decisions on transport fuel and infrastructure.

REHIP has also developed a white paper ahead of the Government’s forthcoming ‘Hydrogen Strategy’ refresh, with researchers from Teesside University collaborating with Energy Voice, a leading UK energy sector news and media platform.

That white paper aims to help industry leaders to understand the key risks and opportunities facing the north.

Professor Nashwan Dawood, Research Director at the Net Zero Industrial Innovation Centre, hopes the white papers will help ensure that the importance of Teesside is fully recognised in future Government strategy on the use of hydrogen.

“The white papers highlight the transformative potential of the hydrogen economy in the Teesside region and its contribution to wealth creation, industrial growth, and high-value job creation,” he said.

“The findings demonstrate the substantial social and economic value that hydrogen innovation can deliver to the Teesside community while reinforcing the region’s position as a leading UK hydrogen hub.

“We hope these evidence-based white papers will help inform and shape the forthcoming UK Government Hydrogen Strategy, ensuring that Teesside’s achievements and future potential are fully recognised in national policy.”