A drive to raise awareness of how hydrogen can be used in transport has been given its own fuel injection with the launch of a new hydrogen refuelling training facility at Redcar and Cleveland College.
Believed to be among the first colleges in the country to have a fully operational modular unit of its kind deployed on site, it will offer students and delegates the chance to see hydrogen as an alternate transport fuel in full use.
Made possible with £286k hydrogen hub transport funding, secured from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, the refuelling system has been supplied by Hydrasun, along with four mobile units to support hands-on installation and maintenance training and skills development.
“This is yet another exciting development in our efforts to build a local workforce with the specialist knowledge and skills to meet the demands of current and future-facing technology,” said Jason Faulkner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Education Training Collective which incorporates Redcar and Cleveland College.
With a focus on future developments and a shared drive to support the Tees Valley’s emerging renewable and low carbon sector, the college’s aim is to equip learners with an increased knowledge of the use of alternate fuels, such as hydrogen, in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
And making the resources available to fellow colleges across the Tees Valley will also further extend their reach.
Jason said: “To demonstrate hydrogen technology at the college helps massively, turning theory into practice and allowing students, apprentices and delegates, to see hydrogen in action in a real environment.”
He hopes it will help to build wider confidence around working with hydrogen, particularly with its increased use in the transport and construction sectors.
Redcar and Cleveland College unveiled the modular hydrogen refuelling facility at a launch event with staff, employer partners and industry guests.
The development comes as work continues on a pioneering hydrogen refuelling station at Teesside International Airport, part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport hub, funded by the UK Government.
Tees Valley Combined Authority Interim Director of Business Solutions Sarah Walker said: “We are bringing thousands of highly skilled jobs to Tees Valley, but it is vital local people have the right training to take advantages of the career opportunities available.
“It's therefore a key part of our plan to support high-quality training that meets the needs of employers to ensure we have the pipeline of local talent in place to support the rapid growth taking place in our region’s economy.”
The college has also acquired three Mirai cars, working with Toyota, to fully demonstrate hydrogen’s use as an alternate fuel source.
With hydrogen now used in a number of transport applications, the modular refuelling units have been deployed to refuel buses, trains and airport handling vehicles, to facilitate the trial and deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Keen to prepare their learners for the changes that are happening now, and in the future, Jason said: “Whether through electrolysis, gasification, or coupled with carbon capture, it is clear hydrogen will be a fuel of the future.
“We need to prepare our students for all eventualities. We still teach students in traditional motor vehicle skills, as well as electrical vehicle maintenance, so to teach them about hydrogen and its capabilities, not just in vehicles on the road but in plant and industrial settings, is something we have a duty to do.
“If we are going to achieve net zero and divert our reliance from fossil fuels, then we need to have more than one fuel source available. Massive companies, like Toyota, are investing massively in hydrogen, we want to give our learners the skills and confidence to benefit from those opportunities.”
Hydrasun Regional Manager North England Neil Holmes said: “Hydrasun is proud to collaborate with Redcar and Cleveland College, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and other partners in delivering this demonstration hydrogen refuelling station and training panels.
“This initiative offers an exciting opportunity for students and the future workforce to engage with hydrogen systems. It helps them demystify hydrogen technology in a practical, everyday setting, while equipping them with valuable skills for the future.”
