H2GVMids will undertake a feasibility study into the use of hydrogen for 44t trucks, using the Midlands as a trial area of focus. The project will bring together partners from across the value chain including truck developers, hydrogen producers, end users and supporting businesses.

The Midlands is at the heart of the transport sector: it is criss-crossed by road and rail networks, has Immingham, the largest port in the UK by tonnage handled and the biggest deepwater port on the Humber, East Midlands Airport, the UK's busiest pure cargo airport, Toyota, with existing fuel cell vehicle expertise and Jaguar Land Rover, with plans for electric car production and two successful Freeport applications at East Midlands Airport and the Humber. 24% of British goods moved in terms of tonne kilometres have an origin in the Midlands and HGVs contribute 21% of road-based transport emissions compared to 17% nationally. The Midlands has the UK's largest hydrogen refuelling station at Tyseley Energy Park, capable of refuelling ~50 HGVs with plans for scaling up by a factor of 10\. Derby has well-developed plans for hydrogen infrastructure and there are early-stage plans for hydrogen production at West Burton A and Ratcliffe-on-Soar power stations.

The significant issue with hydrogen is that for a market to develop requires demand for hydrogen and supply to be developed simultaneously. Supply of green hydrogen, refuelling infrastructure and the manufacture and purchase of hydrogen trucks by vehicle manufacturers and end-users need to be co-developed.

We will develop a business case for a hydrogen freight transport system that links the Humber to the East and West Midlands through the development of three components i) green hydrogen refuelling to enable a demonstrator, ii) introduction of 44-tonne hydrogen trucks and iii) creation of a regional hydrogen logistics programme. By working with an engagement group including fleet operators will ensure the project is focused on the logistics industry's needs. A potential delivery vehicle is the creation of a hydrogen truck leasing organisation.

This project seeks to deliver both the structure and system for a 44tonne truck demonstrator but also to create the conditions to attract investment to the UK creating the Midlands as the global centre of zero emission vehicle innovation. The active involvement of the Midland's Engine demonstrates the strategic alignment to Midlands economic investment programmes and the opportunity for creating jobs and growth.