Hydrogen refuelling business Element 2 has teamed up with commercial real-estate firm Tower Group to provide access to hydrogen for road transport in the south west of England.

Element 2 will supply its mobile refuelling solutions, while also building permanent refuelling stations

The partnership connects Tower Group’s locally produced green hydrogen with the infrastructure required to supply fuel to hydrogen-powered vehicles, including trucks and vans.

Tower Group announced plans in late 2022 to establish hydrogen hubs in three key locations in Devon and Cornwall as part of work to develop a new hydrogen ecosystem in the South West, including sites along the critical M5 motorway and A30 trunk roads. The hydrogen hubs will have the capacity for long-term energy storage and Element 2 will provide end-to-end systems for offtakes of Tower Group-produced hydrogen as part of the agreement.

The tie-up will see Element 2 supply its mobile refuelling solutions, while also building permanent refuelling stations to provide a network along key haulage routes in Devon and Cornwall.

The partnership further underscores Element 2’s plans to operate a UK-wide network of hydrogen refuelling stations from Land’s End to John o’ Groats by 2027.

Dr Andrew Hagan, chief development officer, Element 2, commented: “By working in partnership with Tower Group and other forward-thinking organisations in the UK hydrogen economy, together we will enable the decarbonisation of heavy goods transport across the country and deliver a greener future. This agreement is a significant step towards this shared goal in the south west of England.”

Element 2 will also work with Tower Group to identify fleet customers for the hydrogen stored at its facilities.

Tower Group said the deal would help the South West remain at the forefront of renewable energy sources. It’s been collaborating with Savills, PKF-Francis Clark Chartered accountants & business advisers and Foot Anstey LLP to help deliver the benefits that green hydrogen can bring to the region.

Alex King, chief executive officer, added: “Hydrogen will play a central role in the decarbonisation of a range of industries in the South West, including road transport. Our hydrogen hubs will have the capacity to store significant volumes of hydrogen, and working with partners like Element 2, we will be able to ensure a regular and reliable supply of hydrogen to customers. Together, we will develop a clean and green eco-system in the South West, supporting local jobs and local industry.”