Driving Toward a Sustainable Future: Wales & West Utilities Trials Hydrogen-Powered Fleet

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Gas distribution network Wales and West Utilities (WWU) is embarking on an exciting journey towards a greener future by launching a one-month trial of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). This trial marks a significant step in WWU's efforts to transition its fleet from diesel-powered vans, demonstrating the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Partnering with First Hydrogen, WWU will be testing the capabilities of the FCEV, which boasts an impressive range of more than 630km on a single refuelling. As the gas emergency and pipeline service for Wales and the southwest of England, WWU operates around the clock to deliver gas network services for over 7.5 million customers. The decision to trial hydrogen-powered vehicles aligns with WWU's mission to reduce carbon emissions and embrace cleaner transportation solutions.

The trials are particularly significant as they coincide with winter, WWU's busiest period for emergency gas callouts. Cold temperatures can often reduce the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), impacting their reliability for fleet operators. By testing the FCEV during these challenging conditions, WWU aims to gather valuable data on its performance, especially in comparison to BEVs, potentially highlighting advantages in lower temperatures.

The trial commenced with comprehensive training for WWU's drivers, ensuring they are equipped to safely operate the FCEV and understand its technical intricacies. Under the guidance of First Hydrogen, drivers underwent training accreditation schemes and engaged in practical exercises, including manoeuvring the vehicle and responding to simulated callouts.

Refuelling the FCEV with green hydrogen, supplied by Protium Green Solutions at Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions' refuelling unit, was also a key aspect of the training process. Both Protium and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions have played integral roles in developing a hydrogen ecosystem to support First Hydrogen's trial with WWU, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this initiative.

Steve Gill, Executive Director Automotive at First Hydrogen, expressed enthusiasm for WWU's participation in the trials, highlighting the benefits of FCEVs for utility businesses like WWU. He emphasised the importance of generating performance data during the trial to showcase how FCEVs can effectively decarbonise fleets while meeting operational demands.

Stephen Offley, WWU's Transport Manager, emphasised the limitations of current battery electric vehicles in meeting the operational needs of businesses like WWU. He identified hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as First Hydrogen's FCEV, as potential zero-emission solutions that can fulfil the future needs of WWU's fleet, offering advantages in range, recharging time, payload capacity, and more.

Protium's COO, Jon Constable, underscored the significance of demonstrating FCEVs in roles where they excel, such as fleet operations, in accelerating hydrogen deployment to meet zero-emission targets. Chris Foxall, CEO of Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in delivering bespoke hydrogen solutions that can be scaled and replicated.

Overall, the one-month trial of the hydrogen-powered FCEV represents a pivotal moment for WWU and its partners, showcasing the readiness of hydrogen technology and its potential to revolutionise fleet operations. As the trial progresses, the data collected will provide valuable insights into the performance and feasibility of FCEVs, inspiring other fleet operators to consider hydrogen as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional diesel vehicles.

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