Gas distribution network Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is starting trials of a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and fuel ecosystem this month in a move to decarbonise its fleet.

The vehicle will operate from WWU’s Swansea depot as part of the firm’s 1,300-strong fleet

The van, developed by automotive and green energy specialist First Hydrogen, has already been trialled by fleet operators including SSE and Rivus but this is the first time it’s been piloted in Wales.

The vehicle will operate from WWU’s Swansea depot as part of the firm’s 1,300-strong fleet and will support network engineers to make customer callouts and undertake repair and maintenance work. The trial will showcase First Hydrogen’s FCEV advantage over battery electric vehicles, including its proven 400-mile range, payload, towing and fast refuelling capabilities.

The trials are supported by green hydrogen producer Protium Green Solutions and hydrogen services company Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, which will help develop a hydrogen ecosystem to support WWU’s operations.

Until now, First Hydrogen’s FCEV trials have been located near existing hydrogen fuel stations. This trial will demonstrate how partnerships can develop refuelling in areas that lack infrastructure.

By using Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions’ refuelling service and green H2 fuel from Protium Green Solutions, WWU can refuel close to its depot in Swansea rather than travelling to a public station. Successful refuelling trials with First Hydrogen’s FCEV, Hyppo’s unit and Protium’s renewable hydrogen took place in December 2023.

WWU engineers currently take their vans home to minimise driven mileage and maximise operational efficiency; however, relatively few engineers have access to off-street parking suitable for a van and the ability to charge a battery electric van at home. This is not required by the hydrogen-powered vehicle.

The project supports WWU’s work to develop cleaner and greener energy solutions. The organisation is exploring how hydrogen can be used to power homes and businesses across its region. It’s also recently announced a proposal to develop a major hydrogen pipeline across South Wales.

Stephen Offley, transport manager at Wales & West Utilities, said: “We are already paving the way for the role of hydrogen in heating homes and powering industry so using hydrogen fuel to decarbonise our fleets is a logical step. Having test-driven the vans at First Hydrogen’s MIRA track event last year, we’re looking forward to trialling the FCEV in our day-to-day operations and pioneering the use of hydrogen within our fleet. In demonstrating the practicalities of hydrogen, we want to inspire other industries and businesses in Wales and across the UK to view hydrogen as a realistic, operationally effective zero-emission solution.”

Steve Gill, CEO Automotive at First Hydrogen, added: “The Wales & West Utilities team are hugely supportive of our vehicle development and share our belief that hydrogen could help deliver carbon-free transport. Particularly for fleets that require longer uptime, better range and heavier payloads than BEVs can offer as well as towing capacity – 75% of Wales & West Utilities’ fleet are equipped to tow yet few BEVs have suitable capability.”

He continued: “This trial will help us to learn a lot about moveable and depot-based refuelling solutions and how this technology could help bridge gaps in the UK’s refuelling infrastructure network. Ultimately, our role in developing a hydrogen ecosystem with partners will strengthen our service offering to fleets and accelerate hydrogen mobility adoption.”