Work has commenced on constructing a hydrogen refuelling station at Teesside International Airport, following the granting of planning permission.
The new Element 2 refuelling station, located near the former St George Hotel, will support hydrogen-powered road vehicles, including trucks, vans, and cars, as well as airport service vehicles. It will offer both 700 and 350 bar refuelling capabilities.
With planning approval secured, construction is expected to be completed this spring, followed by installation and commissioning before the station becomes operational.
The project is part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub, which is funded by the UK Government and aims to establish public hydrogen refuelling stations across the region.
Element 2, a UK-based hydrogen refuelling company, is managing the project and supporting infrastructure development to facilitate the broader adoption of hydrogen as a transport fuel.
Element 2 is responding to the increasing demand for hydrogen among heavy goods vehicles and commercial distribution fleets. Since its establishment in 2020, the company has carried out more than 1,500 refuelling events for a range of clients across various vehicle types.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:We were first out of the blocks when it came to backing hydrogen – and it’s great to see the groundwork is now paying off with action and results.
We want to continue to stretch our lead at the forefront of the cleaner, healthier and safer industries of tomorrow and having this station at our airport is a huge marker laid down to the rest of the country.
The upshot of investing and working on these pioneering industries is we’re at the front of the queue in bringing hundreds of good, well-paid jobs to our people and our airport in the years to come.
Teesside International Airport previously hosted a temporary Element 2 hydrogen refuelling station in 2021 and introduced low-emission hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, including cars, trucks, forklifts, vans, and tugs.
The region is also advancing in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector. The airport recently secured a 100% renewable energy agreement with broker 121 Business Links, further supporting its environmental goals.
James Harris, Element 2 CEO, said:Element 2 is providing the UK backbone for hydrogen supply and retail infrastructure for industrials, Power to Liquid, off-grid and transport demand, and this pioneering site at Teesside helps to drive and further strengthen the UK-wide infrastructure that is much needed for commercial access to hydrogen.
We are excited to work with Teesside International Airport, Innovate UK and local commercial fleets to achieve this and help reduce transport emissions in the Tees Valley.
