Wrightbus at the Heart of £6.5bn Hydrogen Mega-Project Set to Transform UK’s Green Economy

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 through zero-emission transport. As part of the HydraB Power group, Wrightbus continues to play a pivotal role in building the UK’s hydrogen ecosystem, supported by sister companies Ryze Power, which handles hydrogen distribution, and Hygen, which focuses on the development of low-carbon hydrogen production sites.

Driving Hydrogen Innovation in Ballymena and Beyond

The significance of Wrightbus’s involvement goes beyond its technical expertise. The company has long been a cornerstone of Ballymena’s economy, providing skilled jobs and pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation in Northern Ireland. Now, as HySpeed takes shape, Ballymena is set to reap even greater economic and environmental rewards.

The project’s goals are ambitious: by 2030, HySpeed aims to deliver 1 gigawatt of hydrogen production capacity, which will help drive down the cost of hydrogen, strengthen the UK’s energy security, and enable large-scale decarbonisation of industries, transport networks, and the gas grid.

Wrightbus’s hydrogen-powered buses are already proving their value on UK roads, offering zero-emission solutions to local authorities and transport providers seeking sustainable alternatives. The expansion of hydrogen infrastructure through HySpeed will further enhance the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles across the public and private sectors.

A Catalyst for UK Green Growth

HySpeed’s announcement coincided with the UK Government’s HAR2 funding shortlist, which identified 27 electrolytic hydrogen projects across the country as part of its vision to establish the UK as a “clean energy superpower.”

Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, highlighted the UK’s strong position during a recent visit to Wrightbus, stating: “We cannot compete on cost in the production of batteries. That ship has sailed. But on hydrogen, what we are doing in Britain is market-leading.”

This sentiment reflects the growing belief among policymakers and industry leaders that hydrogen will play a critical role in decarbonising the energy system — especially for sectors where other renewable solutions fall short.

Unlocking Local and National Benefits

The economic impact of HySpeed is expected to be substantial. Independent analysis estimates the project could contribute £2 billion annually to the UK’s economy, while creating more than 24,000 new jobs across construction, manufacturing, and clean energy operations.

For Ballymena and the wider Northern Ireland region, the initiative will strengthen local supply chains, attract further investment, and reinforce the town’s reputation as a hub for sustainable transport innovation.

Jo Bamford described the project as a timely and necessary response to the UK’s energy security challenge: “Now more than ever, the UK needs to stand on its own two feet, especially when it comes to our energy resources. Hydrogen offers us the opportunity to be energy secure and independent.”

His view is echoed across the consortium, where leaders agree that collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of green hydrogen. As Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM Power, noted, “With volume come economies of scale, which will drive down costs and accelerate the market substantially.”

A Bright Green Future

Wrightbus’s involvement in Project HySpeed showcases Northern Ireland’s growing contribution to the UK’s clean energy ambitions. By combining world-class engineering with forward-thinking partnerships, the company is helping to drive a low-carbon future — while creating real economic opportunities for local communities.

As HySpeed moves forward, Wrightbus remains committed to advancing hydrogen transport solutions and playing its part in transforming both Ballymena’s economy and the UK’s clean energy landscape.