Hydrogen-fuelled van test to help clear the air for council

The two vans have been supplied by ITM Power, which describes itself as an energy storage and clean fuel company, which specialises in producing hydrogen energy systems.

The vans will be refuelled with hydrogen produced from water, using ITM’s HFuel product, which is made in Sheffield.

If the trial is successful, the council said it would examine ways to introduce the technology into its fleet to help achieve its air quality targets.

Council leader Julie Dore said: “We are keen to test vehicles using alternative fuels to see how they cope as they are used for typical day to day duties.

“Access to low carbon transport technology can be an important factor in attracting businesses to the city, with commercial vehicles being a major contributor of carbon emissions.

“ITM’s hydrogen refuelling trial firmly puts the city on the map for testing the latest clean fuel technology.”

Sheffield Council was the first local authority in the country to sign up to test ITM’s technology.

Dr Graham Cooley, chief executive at ITM, said: “The trial is particularly important for ITM, allowing the company to show how our HFuel technology can play a significant role in improving air quality.

“Fast refuelling and a familiar range of hydrogen vehicles presents the opportunity for the council to meet its air quality objectives. We look forward to presenting the results of the trial.”