Airports and supermarket deliveries could become greener and more efficient due to a £8 million government competition to support hydrogen-powered transport in the North East, grow the economy and create jobs.

The Transport Secretary has announced 2 winning projects of the second phase of the competition, encouraging more businesses and innovators to develop new technology that uses hydrogen fuel to accelerate transport decarbonisation.

One project led by ULEMCo, receiving a share of the £8 million funding, will develop hydrogen-powered airport ground-based support vehicles, such as tow trucks for aeroplanes and sweepers to clean runways. This will be based at Teesside international airport, which will help the airport reach its goal of being net zero by 2030.

Mark Harper, Transport Secretary, said:

"Hydrogen technology has great potential to decarbonise transport and help grow the economy.

"Today’s winners illustrate the expertise the Tees Valley has as a pioneer in developing hydrogen tech. This investment will provide a further boost to the economy, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the North East."