UK government awards £23M to speed for hydrogen car adoption
A new £23 million fund to accelerate the take up of hydrogen vehicles and roll out more cutting-edge infrastructure has been announced by the government on March 18. Hydrogen fuel providers will be able to bid for funding in partnership with organizations that produce hydrogen vehicles to help build high-tech infrastructure, including fueling stations. The funding will boost the creation of fueling infrastructure and uptake of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
A competition will be launched this summer, and will invite proposals from public organizations, businesses and hydrogen operators. The government will provide match funding for successful bidders as part of its plans to cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and deliver economic opportunities for the UK.
Transport Minister John Hayes said: “The transition to zero emission road transport is both inevitable and desirable as it will improve air quality in many of our towns and cities. We know availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure can be a potential obstacle to the take up of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. That’s why we’re providing support to give interested parties the confidence to continue to invest in this new emerging technology to help us achieve our ambition for almost all new cars and vans to be zero emission by 2040.”
The government is working closely with industry on the future direction of the UK automotive sector and has allocated over £600 million for low emission vehicles over the course of this Parliament with an additional £390 million announced at last year’s Autumn Statement for ultra low emission vehicles and driverless cars.
Paul Van der Burgh, President and Managing Director of Toyota (GB), said: “Toyota believes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can play an important role in the transition to a low carbon, low emissions society. We chose the UK as one of the first international markets for our Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car and are pleased that the government is investing in this program to encourage the further development of refueling infrastructure and the wider uptake of fuel cell vehicles.”
https://www.ngvjournal.com/uk-government-awards-23m-to-speed-for-hydrogen-car-adoption/