A new hydrogen refuelling training facility has been inaugurated at Redcar and Cleveland College. This facility is recognized as one of the first in the UK to have a fully operational modular unit dedicated to hydrogen as an alternative transport fuel.
The establishment of this training site was made possible through a significant investment of £286,000 from the Tees Valley Mayor and the Combined Authority. The refuelling system has been provided by Hydrasun, which will also supply four mobile units to help facilitate practical training in installation, maintenance, and skills development.
According to Jason Faulkner, the deputy chief executive officer of the Education Training Collective, which includes the college, this initiative represents an exciting opportunity to foster a local workforce equipped with the necessary expertise to navigate current and future technologies. The college is committed to enhancing student knowledge about alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen, amidst a rapidly changing industrial environment.
Faulkner emphasized the importance of demonstrating hydrogen technology on campus, as it bridges theoretical learning with practical application. This hands-on experience will allow students, apprentices, and attendees to observe hydrogen in action, thereby building confidence in working with this fuel source, particularly as its use expands in transport and construction sectors.
The college showcased the modular hydrogen refuelling facility during a launch event attended by staff, employer partners, and industry representatives. This development aligns with ongoing efforts to establish a pioneering hydrogen refuelling station at Teesside International Airport, part of the wider Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport hub funded by the UK Government.
Sarah Walker, the interim director of business solutions for the Tees Valley Combined Authority, stated that while the region is set to gain thousands of highly skilled jobs, it is essential for local residents to receive appropriate training to take full advantage of emerging career opportunities. Providing quality training that aligns with employer needs is critical to ensuring a robust pipeline of local talent to support the rapid growth of the regional economy.
Additionally, the college has partnered with Toyota to acquire three Mirai cars, further illustrating hydrogen”s potential as an alternative fuel source. Hydrogen is increasingly utilized across various transportation applications, and these modular refuelling units will support the refuelling of buses, trains, and airport handling vehicles, facilitating the trial and integration of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
