Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support hydrogen-powered transport solutions in the Tees Valley.

The Department for Transport (DfT) considers that hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives could play an important role in decarbonising the transport sector, particularly in heavier transport such as aviation and maritime.

We are supporting research, development and deployment of hydrogen-powered transport including through the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrators (ZEHID), the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) and the Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen in Aviation Regulatory Challenge. The Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub Demonstration also provided dedicated funding to support the development of hydrogen refuelling stations and a range of hydrogen powered vehicles.

The Government will continue to assess support for hydrogen-powered transport as evidence continues to emerge and will publish a new UK Hydrogen Strategy later this year, outlining government's vision for hydrogen. The Strategy will be grounded in evidence and set out clear priorities for collaboration with industry.