Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has partnered with leading hydrogen innovators First Hydrogen, Protium Green Solutions, and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions to create a hydrogen ecosystem for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) trial.

The partners are working together to build a functional ecosystem, using a redeployable refueller and delivered green hydrogen, to provide the flexibility and speed needed to deliver a successful trial. This ecosystem could serve as a model for future UK hydrogen vehicle trials.

Currently, one of the main barriers to the adoption of hydrogen is the availability of both hydrogen itself and refuelling infrastructure in suitable locations. This trial uses hydrogen produced at Protium’s Pioneer 1 facility, one of the first hydrogen production facilities in the UK, and Hyppo's Fuel Cell Systems HyQube redeployable refueller infrastructure. This provides the flexibility and rapid deployment to bring trials online quickly.

In addition to exploring the vehicle’s suitability for WWU’s requirements, the trial also aims to provide a blueprint that could be replicated in other locations, or to transition trials to full adoption.

Steve Gill, Executive Director Automotive at First Hydrogen, said: “This trial shows fleet operators that hydrogen is a viable zero emission solution for them, even if they don’t have access to fixed refuelling infrastructure. Working with partners, we can offer fleet operators a full hydrogen-as-a-service solution.”  

“We’re eagerly awaiting the data and learnings from the trial, particularly as it takes place during WWU’s most operationally challenging period of the year,” commented Stephen Offley, Transport Manager at Wales & West Utilities. “This information will be invaluable in refining the deployment and use of hydrogen in fleet operations.”