© Element 2
Element 2, a UK’s rising player in hydrogen infrastructure, has secured planning approval from Darlington Borough Council for its first permanent hydrogen refueling station. The facility, located near the former St. George Hotel at Teesside International Airport, is a strategic move in the UK’s hydrogen adoption push.
How Teesside is Driving the Hydrogen Economy
Teesside is emerging as a hydrogen hub, having hosted significant hydrogen trials since 2021. The region’s commitment to low-carbon transport makes it an ideal location for Element 2’s expansion. The station will cater to haulage fleets, airport ground vehicles, and public transport, aligning with broader decarbonization efforts.
Addressing Hydrogen’s Infrastructure Challenge
The UK’s hydrogen sector faces a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: a lack of refuelling stations limits vehicle adoption, while low vehicle numbers discourage investment in infrastructure. Element 2 aims to break this cycle by establishing refuelling capacity first, creating a foundation for future growth.
The Teesside station will include two refuelling bays (350 and 700 bar), a hydrogen dispenser, and three storage tanks. Hydrogen Refuelling Solutions, a French specialist, will design and build the facility. The station will operate 24/7 as a self-service site, ensuring accessibility for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and other fleet operators.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Located in an unoccupied field near Teesside Airport Road, the site was chosen for its proximity to key transport routes, including the A1(M) and A66. Plans include a new road for direct access, ensuring seamless connectivity for HGVs. Safety features, such as concrete protective walls for hydrogen storage and designated pedestrian pathways, are integrated into the design.
The project aligns with Darlington Local Plan policies on sustainability and economic development. A noise impact assessment raised no concerns, and the site’s location in Flood Zone 1 mitigates environmental risks. The proposal includes a 30-year habitat monitoring and management plan, tree protection measures, and a landscaping plan.
Funding and Future Expansion
Element 2’s Teesside station is partially funded through Innovate UK, reflecting government backing for hydrogen infrastructure. The company has already conducted over 1,500 refuelling operations at pilot sites and plans to roll out 50 stations nationwide by 2030. With planning permission secured at additional locations, including Exelby Station at Coneygarth, Teesside marks the first fully operational retail site.
CEO Dr. Andrew Hagen expressed confidence in the project, stating, “With full planning at the Exelby Coneygarth site nearby on the A1(M), our UK and Ireland network has a first nucleus in North East England. Others will follow shortly, further enabling the paths to net zero.”
