SSE teams up with First Hydrogen
Energy firm SSE is set to trial First Hydrogen’s hydrogen-powered vehicle in a real-life setting to assess the benefits of such technology alongside its fleet of electric vehicles as a fossil-fuel alternative.
The light commercial vehicle (LCV) has spent the last few weeks operating from one of SSE’s sites in Aberdeen, which is located next to a hydrogen fuel station.
After two days’ training, four SSE drivers have been using the First Hydrogen’s vehicle to carry the equipment and tools which play a key part in the engineers’ day-to-day job.
First Hydrogen’s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has fast refuelling – approximately 5 minutes – and the vehicle will be closely monitored throughout the trial through onboard instruments. The move will help First Hydrogen’s engineers to understand fuel consumption, mileage, and vehicle performance in different conditions. It also enables them to keep track of the vehicle’s use, location, and status in real-time to keep the drivers and vehicle safe.
SSE currently operates one of the largest fleets in the UK and has already pledged to switch 2,500 of its vehicles to electric and install charging points for its 11,000 employees to use. SSE vehicles work in a wide variety of operational roles and conditions, from maintaining the electricity network to navigating the diverse and challenging environments of its hydro and onshore wind farm sites.
Ronnie Fleming, chief procurement officer at SSE, said: “In line with our commitment to net zero and EV100 pledge to electrify our fleet, we’re keen to explore all alternative fuel options. It’s been really interesting to see the vehicle in action, for our drivers to experience how it operates in practice and for our fleet managers to evaluate how hydrogen vehicles could fit into our future fleets should the infrastructure further develop.”
Steve Gill, CEO for First Hydrogen Automotive, said: “We see the future of zero emissions transport as a mix of technologies to suit different vehicle types and usage, with fleets comprising hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles. We are thrilled to be operating in Aberdeen, which is already championing hydrogen use and is establishing good infrastructure.
“Data collected during the trial will help us to optimise the vehicle, demonstrate its capabilities for future customers and inform further development.”
Aberdeen City Council Co Leader Ian Yuill said: “Aberdeen has been working for more than ten years to position itself as a leading city in bringing hydrogen technology to the market. Our city is genuinely a world-leader in the delivery and the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Hydrogen is here now and is providing an important part of the transport mix in our city.”
Image courtesy of First Hydrogen and SSE
