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The campaign to make Teesside a UK hydrogen “powerhouse” has taken a step forward.

A major scheme that could see cars, buses, bin lorries - and even trains - powered by the emission-free “super fuel” has been handed £220,000.

The hydrogen industry could add up to £7bn to the region’s economy between 2018 and 2050 and create around 1,000 jobs.

If successful, the cash could help unlock a further £40m to develop new refuelling stations across Teesside.

Teesside already produces HALF of the UK’s hydrogen and uses it for industrial purposes.

Under plans being drawn up by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, an initial bid to bring a fleet of hydrogen road vehicles and new refuelling infrastructure to the region will be submitted to Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

The Mayor signed off £140,000 to develop the bid and also secure a partnership with Middlesbrough-based engineering firm TWI.

The company has also pledged £80,000 to bring “unparalleled expertise” to the region, needed to develop the area’s hydrogen economy.

Teesside’s case for a UK hydrogen powerhouse was taken to Westminster last month.

Redcar Labour MP Anna Turley says the green fuel could be powering Britain, heating thousands of homes and safeguarding and creating thousands of “high quality” jobs.

She has set up an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hydrogen.

(Image: Parliament.tv)

Plans are already under way by Northern Gas Networks, to pump hydrogen produced on Teesside to Leeds to heat and power homes there.

Currently, over 30% of all UK carbon emissions come from domestic heating and cooking.

A UK-wide conversion to hydrogen would reduce heat emissions by a minimum of 73%.

Mr Houchen said: “Creating the jobs of tomorrow means investing in the right technology today. We already produce 50% of the UK’s hydrogen, so properly utilising it will allow us to keep manufacturing jobs in the Tees Valley and build on the global drive to cut carbon emissions, rather than be held back by it.

“This investment means will help us to put the Tees Valley on the map for hydrogen, not just in the UK but globally.”

Chris Beck, TWI’s strategic fund manager, said: “We’re confident that hydrogen will play a key part in the development of the region for years to come, and we are excited to be involved in shaping the future of energy and the Tees Valley economy.

“Our history in power generation and hydrogen research shows our experience in the sector.

“The backing to attract unparalleled expertise to the area will give us the resources and capacity to put our skills into action.”

A draft report commissioned by Combined Authority and produced by KPMG on exploiting the opportunities of the hydrogen economy suggested it could add to £7bn to the region’s economy between 2018 and 2050, creating up to 1,000 jobs.

The campaign already has the backing of major UK gas networks - Northern Gas Networks, Cadent, SGN, Wales & West Utilities and trade unions representing gas industry workers - GMB and Unison.