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Anglo American is playing its part in a local pilot scheme designed to help speed up the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the UK.

The company behind the Woodsmith polyhalite mine, being built near Whitby and on Teesside, has taken delivery of two Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars to use in its operations on the project.

The cars form part of the £2.5m Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub scheme, which will see a raft of major employers including the police, health workers and industrial companies testing out a range of hydrogen-powered vehicles in real world situations, using a new refuelling station at Teesside International Airport.

Anglo American’s involvement in this project demonstrates its commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions, particularly as it develops the Woodsmith polyhalite mine.

The new refuelling station at Teesside International Airport will play a key role in supporting these vehicles, ensuring that they can operate efficiently and provide valuable data on their performance, range, and overall viability in a professional setting.

While hydrogen fuel cell cars are making strides in passenger transport, the technology is also being explored for larger commercial and industrial vehicles. Businesses that rely on fleet operations are closely watching developments, with some already considering alternative energy solutions for heavy-duty trucks, including models like the ram 5500 flatbed, which could benefit from hydrogen power in the future.

As the UK looks to reduce its carbon footprint, the push for hydrogen adoption is expanding beyond personal vehicles to include logistics, construction, and public services.

If these trials prove successful, they could accelerate the rollout of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to transition to cleaner, more efficient vehicles without compromising performance or reliability.

While the shift towards hydrogen fuel cells may be on the horizon, diesel vehicles still dominate the commercial sector, and their maintenance remains a key focus for fleet managers. Keeping diesel vehicles in top shape is crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring that these powerful engines continue to perform efficiently.

Regular maintenance, such as fuel system inspections, oil changes, and exhaust system care, ensures that these vehicles can handle the demands of the job, day in and day out. G&R Diesel plays a vital role in helping businesses maintain the reliability and performance of their diesel-powered fleet. Ensuring the durability of diesel vehicles remains essential, and having trusted service providers ensures that businesses are prepared for both the present and the future of transportation.

As hydrogen technology continues to gain traction, businesses are looking at all options—from future-ready solutions to proven workhorses—to keep their fleets running smoothly and efficiently. While hydrogen fuel cells may eventually reshape the commercial vehicle landscape, today’s operations still heavily rely on trusted diesel and gasoline-powered models to get the job done.

For companies managing diverse fleets, it’s important to find the right vehicles that offer both durability and value. That’s where dealers with a broad inventory and a reputation for service excellence come into play. Billingsley Ford of Duncan offers a comprehensive selection of commercial trucks and utility vehicles, making it easier for businesses to find models that match their operational needs—whether that’s a reliable diesel truck for heavy hauling or a versatile van for deliveries. As fleet managers explore energy transitions, having a dealership partner that understands both traditional and emerging vehicle technologies becomes even more critical.

On top of offering access to dependable vehicles, a dealership’s after-sale support and financing options play a major role in long-term success. Businesses need flexible purchasing solutions, responsive service departments, and maintenance programs that help extend the lifespan of their vehicles—especially as the industry experiences shifts in fuel technology.

Dealers that recognize the current dependence on diesel while preparing for alternative energy options create a valuable bridge between today’s realities and tomorrow’s innovations. As hydrogen trials continue to show promise, dealerships that support both cutting-edge and conventional fleets can help commercial operators make informed decisions—whether they’re buying their next Ram 5500 flatbed or exploring the possibilities of future-proof transportation.

Gareth Edmunds, Anglo American’s Corporate Relations Director said:

“We are excited to be testing hydrogen fuel cell technology on the Woodsmith Project,”

“Anglo American is an industry leader in researching and developing the use of hydrogen power in the mining industry. We hope that, by taking part in this demonstration project, we can show that the technology works and there is a demand for it here in the Northeast.”

The Hydrogen Transport Hub is being developed by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority in partnership with Teesside University and will form an innovation campus focused on clean energy research and development for cars, buses, trains, lorries, boats and planes. Tees Valley was announced as home to the UK’s first Hydrogen Transport Hub in September 2020.

Ben Houchen, Mayor of the Tees Valley, said:

“The trial of these vehicles and refuelling station is an important step in helping our region to become the UK’s first net zero industrial cluster,” 

“We are at the forefront of developing cleaner, safer and healthier industries of the future , and it’s great that we have industry partners like Anglo American investing in our region to help us realise that vision.”

Anglo American has pledged to become carbon neutral across all global operations by 2040 and, through its Future Smart Mining programme, is pioneering several hydrogen initiatives around the world to help achieve that, including the development of hydrogen-powered mining trucks in South Africa and freight trains in Australia. The company also plans to generate hydrogen from electrolysis on many of its mine sites using renewable energy sources, and invests in a wide range of promising new fuel cell, hydrogen and energy-storage technologies and companies.

The Woodsmith Project currently employs over 1,000 people in Scarborough, Whitby and Teesside. It involves digging two 1-mile deep mine shafts at Woodsmith Mine near Whitby, and a 23 mile transportation tunnel to a processing facility and port on Teesside. Most of the surface infrastructure at Woodsmith Mine is being built underground and the site is being carefully landscaped in order to minimise the visual impact on the surrounding countryside. The mine will exploit a giant deposit of the mineral polyhalite, which will be sold as a natural, low carbon, environmentally friendly fertiliser.

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