Exolum is set to embark on the construction of a green hydrogen production plant and refuelling station in the Tees Valley, forming an integral part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Vehicle Ecosystem project. This groundbreaking initiative, backed by £7 million in grant support from the Department for Transport in collaboration with Innovate UK through the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub Competition, anticipates full operational functionality by the year 2025.

The envisioned project entails the establishment of a water electrolyser and a hydrogen refuelling station situated at Exolum's Riverside terminal in Stockton-on-Tees, proximate to Middlesbrough town centre and strategically positioned at the convergence of the A19 and A66 roads. The water electrolyser will produce green hydrogen utilizing renewable electricity, catering to both the refuelling station with a daily capacity of 1.5 tonnes and other regional customers through a "hub and spoke" delivery model.

Collaborating on this initiative are UK fuel cell electric vehicle manufacturer Electra Commercial Vehicles and German manufacturer Quantron AG, in conjunction with Novuna Vehicle Solutions. This coalition aims to deploy a minimum of 20 fuel cell electric trucks spanning weights from 4.2 to 27 tonnes. Collectively, these manufacturers stand to receive a total funding amount of £5 million under the same competitive grant. The deployed vehicles will find utility among major regional vehicle operators, effectively replacing existing diesel vehicles and thereby curbing local air pollution and carbon emissions.

To facilitate data monitoring and performance assessment of the hydrogen trucks, Teesside University's School of Engineering Computing and Digital Technologies and Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre will play a pivotal role. Leveraging their extensive expertise in hydrogen fuel cells, these entities will contribute valuable insights to inform ongoing advancements in the hydrogen transport sector.

The Tees Valley Hydrogen Vehicle Ecosystem represents a crucial initial stride towards establishing a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations, presenting itself as a blueprint for other regions aiming to implement similar hydrogen mobility ecosystems. This transformative project aligns with the broader goal of expediting the United Kingdom's transition to zero-emission fuel cell vehicles, aligning with the nation's ambitious net-zero carbon emissions target.

Exolum, as Europe's leading logistics company for liquid products and a global heavyweight, specializes in the transport and storage of diverse bulk liquid products, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. Operating in sectors like eco-fuels, the circular economy, and new energy vectors, Exolum spans ten countries, managing a vast network that includes over 6,000 kilometers of pipelines, 69 storage terminals, 47 airport facilities, and a total storage capacity exceeding 11 million cubic meters. With a workforce of over 2,000 professionals, Exolum is at the forefront of shaping the future of logistics and energy solutions.