HyHaul to roll out UK’s first hydrogen HGV refuelling corridor

HyHaul Mobility will deploy 30 hydrogen fuel cell HGVs along the M4 to create the UK’s first zero-emission commercial hydrogen trucking corridor, by summer 2026.

The £14 million investment includes the purchase three hydrogen refuelling stations and is the largest of its kind ever in UK hydrogen heavy duty vehicle refuelling.

The initiative officially launches the government-backed HyHaul project, which is part of the Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.

Victoria Saunders, innovation lead - Hydrogen in Transport at Innovate UK, said: "Today's announcement marks a crucial step forward for HyHaul Mobility in establishing a pioneering hydrogen HGV refuelling network across the UK.

“Innovate UK is delighted to support the delivery of this ambitious project, which is vital for accelerating the transition to decarbonised heavy-duty transport."

Transport and green hydrogen industry leaders Novuna, Scania Group, Reynolds Logistics and Protium have joined forces with HyHaul Mobility to demonstrate how a strategic network of hydrogen infrastructure can deliver annual savings of 1,900 tonnes of CO2.

The UK Government has a target to end the sale of all new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040, however their weight and the distance they travel make them difficult to decarbonise. Hydrogen vehicles offer a range and refuelling time that is similar to fossil-fuelled vehicles, meaning many logistics companies believe the technology could be the right options for their needs.

 Chris Jackson, chairman of HyHaul Mobility and Protium CEO added: “Nearly four years since the project was first conceptualised, it is incredibly exciting to see the UK take its first concrete steps towards commercialising hydrogen heavy duty transport applications at scale.

“HyHaul will be the pioneer that unlocks part of the UK’s decarbonisation journey, as we are incredibly excited to be leading the charge together with our incredible partners.”

Since 2014, domestic transport has produced the most greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of all UK sectors. Heavy goods vehicles account for 17% of that, emitting 19.1 million tonnes of CO2 in 2022.

Recent research published by the UK Road Haulage Association found that 12% of predominantly larger HGV operators (fleets of 25+ vehicles) plan to bring hydrogen vehicles into their fleets within the next five years. Lack of public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure was listed as the top barrier to adoption, an issue that HyHaul will directly help to address.

Kyle Arnold, managing director of HyHaul Mobility, said: “Achieving this milestone marks a transformative moment in the UK’s journey to decarbonise its most emissions-intensive transport sectors. For HyHAUL and the team behind it, this is just the starting point — laying the foundations for hydrogen-powered heavy transport ecosystem that will help redefine the future of zero-emission logistics”

The hydrogen fuel cell HGVs used in this project will be supported by a strategically located network of hydrogen refuelling stations. Located at strategic points along the M4 corridor, including Avonmouth and Reading, these refuelling stations will provide the critical infrastructure needed to enable zero-emission trucking at scale.

The green hydrogen used in the project will be supplied by Protium, who will be producing the hydrogen at production facilities in Wales.