CEO of Ecoisland David Green, right, and CEO of ITM Power Graham Cooley with a hydrogen-powered vehicle.
A MULTI-million-pound hydrogen fuel trial, the first of its kind in the country, is coming to the Isle of Wight.
Ecoisland has been awarded funds by the Technology Strategy Board, to play a key role in the £4.66 million project, led by fuel company ITM Power.
The project will be focused on using the Island’s renewable energy in producing low-carbon hydrogen to power vehicles.
Two hydrogen refuelling points will be built on the Island by ITM Power — one to be used by boats and the other for a fleet of hydrogen vehicles.
Vehicles showcased will include fuel-cell electric cars, plus hydrogen internal combustion engine vans and a boat.
Vestas has been lined up to have a hydrogen van, while Alpha Taxis, of Newport, already uses hydrogen in its modified vehicles.
Ecoisland will assist in site surveying and planning applications and it will operate a hydrogen car club, where people can use the vehicles for a small fee.
Ecoisland chief executive David Green said: "We are delighted to have been selected as the location for this exciting hydrogen trial.
"As the country’s leading sustainability project, it is appropriate the refueller trial is going to be based here.
"It means people living here or visiting the Island will get a chance to share the hydrogen experience first-hand."
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk