The Government has unveiled the official ‘masterplan’ for the UK’s first-ever hydrogen transport hub.

The Tees Valley transport hub will bring together leading figures from Government, industry and academia to focus research, testing and trials across all transport modes.

The Government has invested £3m in the hub, which could be fully operational by 2025. It is estimated that it will create up to 5,000 new jobs in the north-east over the long-term.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘By harnessing the power of hydrogen technology, we have the opportunity to bring long-term prosperity right across the country.

‘The hub will establish the UK as a global leader in hydrogen technology, paving the way for its use across all transport modes and propelling us towards our net-zero goals.’

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen commented: ‘From offshore wind manufacturing, carbon capture utilisation and storage and hydrogen, make no mistake Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are at the forefront of powering forward the UK’s clean energy ambitions.

‘Our region already produces more than 50% of the UK’s hydrogen, so it was a no-brainer for the Government to set up the UK’s first hydrogen transport hub in Teesside, so we can lead the way in developing the technology and fully unleash our area’s potential as we build back greener.

‘Teesside has led the world in steel manufacturing and engineering for generations. Now we are leading the world in the industries of the future and creating clean, good quality, well-paid jobs in the process.’