Posted: 02/09/2026

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has launched a green hydrogen vehicle trial in Swansea, as part of its commitment to explore options to reduce carbon emissions from its operations.

The project by the gas emergency and pipeline service looks to find solutions for parts of its vehicle fleet where low carbon options are currently limited. In collaboration with Ford, WWU is running the 12-week vehicle trial of a prototype Ford Transit light commercial vehicle.

Built with a fuel cell, which runs on hydrogen gas, the vehicle trial is supported by specialists in hydrogen technologies. The hydrogen is being produced and delivered by Protium Green Solutions, with the vehicle being refuelled at a facility supported by Fuel Cell Systems at the Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions site in Swansea.

During the trial, WWU operational colleagues will use the vehicle on a daily basis, driving around the wider Swansea and West Wales area to understand the benefits to the business of using this green technology.

Whilst electric vehicles are an option for part of WWU’s fleet requirements, they cannot do everything needed: there are currently challenges with payload, range and towing capacities, as well as recharging. In addition, the UK public charging network is not yet suitable to support WWU’s entire fleet.

Exploring the possibility of hydrogen powered vehicles allows WWU to look at the practicality and deliverability of alternative solutions. Refuelling with hydrogen at 700bar allows WWU to maximise the potential of a zero-emission light commercial vehicle.

Testing the full capability of the vehicle is essential to understanding how much it might cost to operate hydrogen fuelled vehicles as part of a low carbon fleet in a real world, operational setting. The project team will also assess the vehicle’s potential range, refuelling needs, and payload during a typical working day.

This work, which builds on a previous hydrogen vehicle trial, aims to show how hydrogen fuel cell technology can meet the operational demands of light commercial vehicles, for example, in utility and construction environments. Offering a zero-emission alternative to diesel is critical to fleet operators that require power and range in daily operations.

The project supports the wider UK challenge of decarbonising fleets, particularly goods vehicle operators using heavily loaded HGVs or light commercial vehicles which cover long distances or require significant towing capacity.

Stephen Offley, Transport Lead for WWU’s Net Zero & Sustainability team, commented:

“We currently operate a fleet of around 1,300 vehicles across Wales and the south west of England, which represents a significant part of our carbon footprint. Our fleet covered over 15 million miles in 2025 alone, using 4.3 million litres of diesel fuel. This is clearly an area where we can make huge carbon savings with the right technology.

“This trial demonstrates our commitment to finding the most operationally effective low-carbon solutions for our fleet and whilst we continue to provide the reliable and efficient services our customers expect.

“We are confident that hydrogen will have an important role to play in the decarbonisation of road transport as we move away from fossil fuels. We hope that our vehicle trials will inspire other organisations to consider hydrogen as a zero-emission solution. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the partners and organisations involved in this trial and for their hard work and dedication in making it happen.”

Stelios Karagiorgis, Innovation Project Lead at Ford, said:

“We are proud to be working with Wales & West Utilities on this important project. By combining Ford’s engineering expertise with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology, this trial demonstrates how zero-emission vehicles can meet the real-world demands of everyday fleet operations.”

David Muckle, Chief Operating Officer, Protium said:

“Green hydrogen provides a practical solution for light commercial vehicles where duty cycle, payload, range, and rapid refuelling are critical. Protium is proud to supply the hydrogen for this long-term trial, showcasing how regional hydrogen ecosystems can decarbonise essential commercial fleets with front line response.”

Lee Juby, CEO, Fuel Cell Systems Ltd, said:

“Supporting Wales & West Utilities on this innovative hydrogen vehicle trial demonstrates how accessible hydrogen mobility has become. As organisations look to decarbonise commercial fleets, the availability of dependable, easy to deploy refuelling infrastructure is just as important as the vehicles themselves.

“We are proud to be supporting this project and look forward to seeing the operational insights it delivers, helping to shape the future of zero emission commercial transport.

“Projects such as this demonstrate that the UK now has the capability to deliver both hydrogen vehicles and the refuelling infrastructure needed to support them. We are pleased to play our part in helping accelerate that transition.”

Chris Foxall, CEO, Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions said:

“Projects like this demonstrate what’s possible when industry works together to accelerate the transition to net zero.

“At Hyppo, we’re focused on turning hydrogen from an ambition into a practical, everyday energy solution. Working with partners such as Wales & West Utilities, Ford, Protium and Fuel Cell Systems is helping to develop the infrastructure, skills and confidence needed to deploy hydrogen safely and effectively across transport, power and industry.

“We’re excited to build on this work and showcase what’s being achieved at H2Bay and across South Wales.”

You can watch our hydrogen vehicle in action here: 

Chris Foxall, Founder and Managing Director of Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, recently joined a leading industry podcast to discuss the future of hydrogen, integrated energy systems and the role of innovation in achieving net zero.

During the conversation, Chris shared the story behind Hyppo and H2Bay, explaining how the organisation has evolved from developing individual hydrogen projects to creating complete Smart Local Energy Systems where renewable electricity, batteries, hydrogen, heating and transport all work together.

A key theme of the discussion was the importance of treating hydrogen as part of a wider energy ecosystem rather than a standalone technology. Chris highlighted how intelligent energy management platforms such as SPHERE OS can optimise renewable generation, battery storage and hydrogen production to deliver the lowest-cost, lowest-carbon energy possible.

The podcast also explored the challenges facing the hydrogen sector, including infrastructure development, market confidence and the need to grow supply and demand together. By demonstrating practical applications today, projects such as H2Bay are helping to overcome these barriers and accelerate adoption.

Listeners gained an insight into Hyppo’s vision for the future, where local communities generate, store and manage their own clean energy using a combination of electrification and hydrogen technologies working together.

The full podcast is now available to stream, offering an engaging discussion for anyone interested in the future of clean energy, transport and the technologies shaping tomorrow’s energy system.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gw-shift_the-only-way-is-hydrogen-podcast-episode-ugcPost-7497952536948084738-UWRK?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAABDgztUBFCLqL7OUeTMskAg8aJOdK1u1GxA

EPISODE 8:
Making Hydrogen Happen: Beyond the Pilot

We’ve spent years proving hydrogen technology. The next challenge is deploying it at scale.

Karen Brooks is joined by Chris Foxall to discuss creating demand, connecting infrastructure, building regional hydrogen ecosystems and delivering clean, secure energy through practical commercial models.

If you’re interested in hydrogen, transport, Net Zero, innovation or energy security, this episode offers valuable real-world insight.

Looking to set up a base in South Wales? H2Bay is more than just a workspace — it’s a hub for forward-thinking businesses.

Set within the iconic, refurbished Ford Motors plant at Bay Studios, we’ve created a contemporary environment where focus and collaboration coexist.

📍 Unbeatable Connectivity: Just 5 minutes from the M4 (J42) and Swansea City Centre.
🔋 Future-Ready: On-site solar and hydrogen infrastructure, plus EV charging for your team.
🏢 Premium Facilities: Bright, naturally lit offices, high-speed internet, dedicated media rooms, vibrant breakout spaces, and on-site parking
🏭 Industrial Space: Workshops, warehousing, and hardstanding available
🏖️ Lifestyle First: A 5-minute walk to the beach to keep your team energised and inspired.

Whether you’re a startup or looking to scale up your business, H2Bay offers a genuinely low-carbon facility that modern clients and employees expect.

Interested in joining the community?

👉 Book a viewing or download our brochure: h2bay.co.uk

Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions has launched one of South Wales’ most advanced smart hydrogen microgrids, bringing together renewable electricity, battery storage, hydrogen production and intelligent energy management within a single integrated system.

Unlike traditional energy infrastructure that treats each technology separately, the H2Bay microgrid allows solar generation, batteries, hydrogen production, heating, electric vehicle charging and fuel cell power generation to operate together as one coordinated network.

The system intelligently balances renewable generation with energy demand, storing electricity in batteries for short-term use while converting surplus energy into hydrogen for long-term storage.

This flexible approach increases renewable energy utilisation, improves energy resilience and reduces dependence on imported electricity during periods of high demand.

The smart microgrid provides an invaluable demonstration platform for businesses, local authorities, researchers and policymakers looking to understand how future local energy systems will operate.

As the UK’s energy landscape evolves, projects such as H2Bay demonstrate how hydrogen and electrification can work together to create resilient, low-carbon communities.

One of the most exciting features of H2Bay is its ability to produce green hydrogen using two naturally available resources—rainwater and solar energy. By harvesting rainwater from site buildings and generating renewable electricity from solar panels, Hyppo has created a truly local source of clean hydrogen.

Collected rainwater is purified before entering the electrolyser, where renewable electricity separates the water into hydrogen and oxygen. The resulting hydrogen is compressed and stored for later use in vehicles, heating systems and fuel cells.

This approach demonstrates how local renewable resources can be transformed into clean energy without relying on imported fossil fuels or carbon-intensive production methods.

Hydrogen produced from rainwater and sunshine effectively stores renewable electricity for use days, weeks or even months later, overcoming one of the biggest challenges facing renewable energy—intermittency.

Visitors to H2Bay can follow the complete journey from rainwater harvesting and solar generation through to hydrogen production, storage and final use, experiencing first-hand how integrated energy systems operate.

The project demonstrates that tomorrow’s energy system is not simply about generating renewable electricity—it is about using every available resource as efficiently and intelligently as possible.

Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions has officially begun producing green hydrogen at H2Bay, marking a significant milestone in the development of South Wales’ integrated clean energy ecosystem.

Using renewable electricity generated on-site, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, producing zero-carbon hydrogen that can be stored for later use in transport, heating and power generation.

Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels, H2Bay demonstrates how renewable electricity can be transformed into a flexible energy carrier capable of storing excess renewable generation for use whenever it is needed.

The hydrogen produced on-site will initially support vehicle refuelling, fuel cell power generation and hybrid heating systems, allowing visitors to see multiple real-world hydrogen applications operating from a single production facility.

The start of hydrogen production also enables Hyppo to carry out demonstrations, research projects and commercial trials with partners looking to understand how hydrogen can support their own decarbonisation strategies.

This milestone represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for H2Bay as it continues to demonstrate how hydrogen can play a central role in tomorrow’s low-carbon energy system.

Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions was pleased to attend the official launch of HyKit, an exciting new initiative helping businesses understand and adopt hydrogen technologies. Bringing together industry leaders, innovators and policymakers, the event highlighted the growing momentum behind hydrogen as part of the UK’s transition to net zero.

The launch provided an opportunity to showcase how collaboration across the hydrogen sector is accelerating the deployment of real-world projects. Discussions focused on practical applications for hydrogen in transport, industry, power generation and local energy systems, alongside the importance of building the skills and supply chains needed to support future growth.

The event also provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with partners across the hydrogen ecosystem and explore new opportunities for collaboration. As the sector continues to evolve, partnerships between technology developers, local authorities, academia and industry will be essential to accelerating deployment.

Hyppo remains committed to supporting initiatives that help businesses gain confidence in hydrogen technologies and demonstrate how they can complement electrification to deliver practical decarbonisation.

We look forward to working alongside HyKit and the wider hydrogen community as we continue building the clean energy systems of the future.

We are happy to share that Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions is taking the stage this time around as one of Hydrogen Europe’s SMEs spotlight.  

In the ever-evolving hydrogen sector, SMEs and start-ups play a crucial role within the value chain and its development. Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions has been contributing to the hydrogen sector by focusing on high-utilisation transport and remote power, aggregating demand, contracting supply and deploying refuelling and energy systems to deliver reliable hydrogen services.

Why Hydrogen Europe? It provides a platform to connect with stakeholders across the value chain, from policymakers to infrastructure providers and end users. HydrogenEurope is an important forum for shaping the conversation toward solutions that can be deployed today, accelerating the transition from pilots to commercially viable projects.

As our CEO, Chris Foxall, states, “Hydrogen makes electric work. It’s not either – or – it’s both. By enabling transport and remote power today, hydrogen unlocks real-world decarbonisation and accelerates the transition to a scalable, zero-emission energy system.”

Read the full interview below or find it as well available at  https://hydrogeneurope.eu/SME-spotlight/

Earlier this year, Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions was delighted to attend the launch of the new hydrogen refuelling facility in Tilbury, marking another significant milestone in the UK’s growing hydrogen economy. The event brought together industry leaders, vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure providers and policymakers to celebrate another important step towards decarbonising transport.

The launch highlighted the rapid progress being made in developing the infrastructure needed to support hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Reliable refuelling networks are essential for enabling the transition away from fossil fuels, particularly for applications where fast refuelling, long operating hours and high vehicle utilisation are critical.

For the Hyppo team, the event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with partners from across the hydrogen supply chain, share experiences from our own H2Bay project and discuss the role integrated energy systems will play in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. Collaboration across industry continues to be one of the key drivers of innovation and commercial deployment.

Events like the Tilbury launch reinforce a message that Hyppo has long championed: hydrogen infrastructure must grow alongside vehicle deployment. By investing in both supply and demand, the industry can build confidence, encourage investment and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission transport across the UK.

As Hyppo continues to develop South Wales’ Smart Hydrogen Microgrid and expand hydrogen production at H2Bay, seeing new refuelling stations opening across the country is an encouraging sign that the UK’s hydrogen ecosystem is gathering momentum. Every new project strengthens the wider network and creates new opportunities for businesses to embrace clean energy.

Hyppo looks forward to continuing to work with partners across the hydrogen sector, supporting innovation, sharing knowledge and helping build the infrastructure needed to make hydrogen a practical, accessible and commercially viable solution for transport, industry and local energy systems.

Today, Wales unveiled its first comparative demonstration of hydrogen and electric refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), marking a major milestone in the nation’s ambition to accelerate cleaner, greener transport solutions.

The trials will be delivered in partnership with Ricardo, Hyppo, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Welsh Government’s Climate Innovation scheme and Circular Economy are supporting this important feasibility and demonstrator work to the value of over £420,000. This demonstration is part of a whole systems “challenge” which brings both zero‑emission technologies together side by side for the first time, marking a significant step towards cleaner, more sustainable fleet operations across the country.

The showcase event brought together public sector leaders, industry specialists and local authorities to see both vehicles in action side-by-side. The trial is designed to gather real‑world operational data, compare performance and inform future investment in zero‑emission fleet technologies across Wales.

Delivered by Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), one of the UK’s city regions, bringing together ten local authorities across South East Wales, the project represents a significant step towards decarbonising heavy-duty vehicles and reducing emissions in communities across South East Wales. Mike Brough, CCR’s Strategic Director for Regional Growth said:

“This trial is exactly the kind of innovation CCR exists to champion. Heavy-duty fleets are one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise and by bringing hydrogen and electric technologies together in a real‑world environment, we’re helping local authorities make informed, future‑proof decisions. It’s exciting, genuinely groundbreaking work and a fantastic example of regional collaboration driving practical climate action.”

Throughout the trial, engineers and fleet managers will examine energy usage, range, operational performance and suitability for different terrains and routes. Insights from the trial will help shape the next phase of zero‑emission fleet planning across Wales.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, who hopes to visit the trials over the coming weeks, said:

Our investment in this project, in a hard-to-decarbonise sector, represents an important development for climate innovation in Wales. Demonstrator trials like that kicking off today show how innovative, ambitious and forward thinking our public services can be in tackling climate change and shaping our choices to 2030 and beyond. By testing hydrogen and electric vehicles side by side, Wales is gathering the evidence needed to make smart, sustainable decisions to mitigate global warming. It is inspiring to see such partnership in action and it underlines our shared commitment to a greener, cleaner, more skilled Wales which is better for everyone.

Cllr Amanda McConnell, CCBC Cabinet Member for Climate Change said: “We very much welcome the announcement of this exciting pilot project, which reflects our ambition to deliver a cleaner and greener waste collection service for our residents in the future. The trial of these new vehicles represents an important milestone in our commitment to sustainability and is another example of the way we are embracing new technology and driving innovation in order to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Investment, Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, added: “We’re pleased to be part of this innovative new trial which could set the course for the future and transformation of fleet services in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales. It’s vitally important that we continue to future-proof our fleet and look at all the ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.”

Hyppo were proud to be supporting the trial with hydrogen supply and refuelling infrastructure along with operational support and logistics. We also provided a hydrogen car for the managers to trial the experience. Please get in touch if you are looking for such services!

💧✈️ Airport runs, the Hyppo Hydrogen way!

Our hydrogen taxis — pictured here at Bristol and Heathrow — show just how perfectly fuel cell vehicles fit long-distance travel. With impressive range, quiet comfort, and zero emissions, they make every trip to the airport a cleaner, calmer experience.

Powered by hydrogen, emitting only water vapour — the future of travel is already here. 🌿🚕

Hyppo are proud to be supporting the legendary Mal Pope for his homecoming concert on 8th October. A true icon of Welsh music, Mal has inspired generations with his songwriting, broadcasting, and stage performances. His homecoming show promises to be a special celebration of his career, bringing together classic songs, stories, and a few surprises.

As a company rooted in South Wales, Hyppo is delighted to stand alongside such an important cultural figure and support an event that shines a spotlight on local talent and community pride. The concert will not only showcase Mal’s incredible artistry but also celebrate Swansea’s rich musical heritage.

Tickets are now available, and with Mal’s reputation for unforgettable live performances, this is set to be a night not to be missed.

This year’s Cenex Expo-held at the UTAC Millbrook proving ground on 3–4 September- further accelerated the UK’s journey to net zero by spotlighting hydrogen as a cornerstone of future transport. As the UK’s premier showcase for Net Zero & Connected Automated Mobility (CAM), this event brought innovations, discussions, and real-world demonstrations to the fore.

Metier Technologies and MAHLE Powertrain unveiled a hydrogen-converted commercial vehicle based on a DAF LF220 truck platform. By replacing diesel components with specialised hydrogen injectors and advanced ECU mapping, the project offers a practical, low-emissions alternative for fleet operators- without the need for entirely new vehicle platforms. ULEMCo stands out as a pioneer in hydrogen integration for heavy-duty applications, offering conversion platforms for dual-fuel operation and fully hydrogen-based powertrains adaptable to commercial vehicles such as RAF vehicles and a fire engine. Meanwhile, Toyota has introduced its fuel-cell electric Crown Sedan (FCEV), built on the same platform as the Mirai, featuring three high-pressure hydrogen tanks and delivering a remarkable range of approximately 820 km with a quick three-minute refuel. The Hilux fuel-cell prototype -developed at Toyota’s UK facility with Mirai-derived technology- retains the classic Hilux’s durability while offering zero tailpipe emissions, a range between roughly 365–600 km (depending on test figures), and compatibility with the pickup’s existing dimensions and payload capacity. In parallel, Ford’s exploration into hydrogen systems includes Fuel Cell Prototype, which paired a Ballard 60 kW fuel cell with dual 65 kW electric motors (and a 50 kW hybrid battery) with a first prototype for Ocado present.

It was great to see other partners including Protium, Hyhaul and Fuel Cell Systems present demonstrating their equipment and services.