Wrightbus, the Ballymena-based manufacturer best known for producing the world’s first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus, has taken centre stage in one of the UK’s most ambitious clean energy initiatives to date. The £6.5 billion Project HySpeed was unveiled this week, promising to create more than 24,000 new jobs, cut carbon emissions by one million tonnes annually, and position the UK as a global leader in green hydrogen technology. The project unites some of Britain’s most influential businesses — including Wrightbus, Centrica, JCB, ITM Power and National Gas — in a collective mission to accelerate the growth of the UK’s hydrogen economy. Led by HydraB Power, a clean energy group chaired by green entrepreneur Jo Bamford, HySpeed is designed to deliver industrial-scale hydrogen production while creating local supply chains and securing long-term energy independence for the country. For Wrightbus, HySpeed represents another major milestone in its journey to drive decarbonisation th...

As the UK strives towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, hydrogen has emerged as a crucial component in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The recent investments in hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cell technology, particularly in emergency service vehicles, highlight its potential to decarbonise challenging sectors. Oxfordshire County Council’s recent funding of £825,500 for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is a prime example of the nation's commitment to advancing hydrogen as a sustainable fuel alternative. Hydrogen: A Key Player in the Green Transition Hydrogen fuel cells offer a compelling solution to decarbonise transport, particularly for vehicles that require long-range capability and fast refuelling times. Unlike battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which often face challenges related to charging duration and energy density, hydrogen fuel cells provide a viable alternative for heavy-duty and emergency service vehicles. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Range Extended Fir...

The transport industry is at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) alone contribute nearly one-fifth of domestic transport emissions, producing approximately 18.2 million metric tonnes of CO2e annually. As global and national targets for net zero emissions become more urgent, transitioning to clean energy in the transport sector is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. A Landmark Initiative for Clean Transport The UK government’s recent announcement of 54 new charging and hydrogen refuelling hubs marks a significant step in addressing the infrastructure gap that has long hindered the adoption of zero-emission transport. The £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID) aims to deploy hundreds of electric and hydrogen-powered HGVs alongside these strategically placed hubs across the country. The hubs will be integrated into key locations such as depots, motorway services, and arterial roads, ensuring tha...

As the UK continues to push towards its ambitious Net Zero targets, hydrogen is emerging as a game-changing solution for industrial decarbonisation. A recent milestone in this journey was achieved by Kellogg’s, which successfully demonstrated hydrogen-powered cereal production at one of its UK factories. This pioneering initiative marks a significant step forward in showcasing hydrogen’s potential to revolutionise energy use in manufacturing and beyond. Kellogg’s Hydrogen-Powered Production: A Landmark Achievement Kellogg’s, in collaboration with the HyNet Industrial Fuel Switching programme, undertook a three-week demonstration to replace traditional fuel gas with hydrogen in powering the toasting oven at its facility. This initiative was backed by the UK government’s £55 million Industrial Fuel Switching Competition, which forms part of the broader £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. The successful demonstration led to the production of hydrogen-powered Corn Flakes, Bran Fla...

Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus has been at the forefront of hydrogen-powered transport since 2020, when it launched the first-generation hydrogen fuel cell bus. Five years on, the company has introduced the Streetdeck Hydroliner Gen 2, a game-changing advancement in hydrogen mobility. This next-generation bus was developed over four years with part-funding from the UK Government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). Designed from the ground up, it features Ballard’s latest fuel cell technology, offering multiple improvements over its predecessor: 20% reduction in fuel costs 30% savings in maintenance parts over 15 years 5% increase in passenger capacity Significant reductions in base price Over 300 miles of range with an eight-minute refuelling time With these advancements, the new model provides a near “like-for-like” replacement for diesel buses, making the transition to hydrogen more accessible for public transport operators. Why Hydrogen is Crucial for a Net Zer...

The opening of Scotland’s first hydrogen-powered homes marks a significant step forward in the UK's journey toward achieving net-zero emissions. With the H100 Fife project leading the charge, this innovative initiative showcases the potential of hydrogen as a clean, carbon-free energy source for residential heating and cooking. By positioning hydrogen as a vital part of the energy mix, Scotland is setting a bold example for other nations to follow. H100 Fife: A World-First Green Hydrogen Initiative Located in Levenmouth on Scotland's east coast, the H100 Fife project is a groundbreaking green energy venture. Up to 300 households will transition from natural gas to hydrogen for their heating and cooking needs. The newly unveiled demonstration homes feature hydrogen-powered boilers and hobs, designed to deliver the same instant and responsive heat that residents are accustomed to—but without carbon emissions. Residents participating in the project can visit these demonstration...