Oxford Council examine possibility of hydrogen fuelled Fire Engines

Published by

Stephen Emerson

An Oxford County Council pilot scheme in partnership with ULEMCo, a hydrogen fuel vehicle conversion firm, has brought the reality of hydrogen powered fire engine appliances one step closer.

The pilot results mean the company are now seeking funding in order to construct a full size prototype zero emission fire service emergency response vehicle.

The viability study, in which the Oxfordshire Fire Service also participated, concluded that a hydrogen fuel cell, in conjunction with a battery, can meet the current needs of emergency vehicles. This power storage would permit up to four hours of water pumping.

“The next step is to secure funding to build a prototype fire tender”, said Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo.

“As part of the project, the existing fire station locations in Oxfordshire were assessed, and options proposed for hydrogen refuelling locations that would not only allow the engines to refuel cost effectively, but also provide facilities for the rest of the Oxfordshire public sector fleet."

Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for climate change delivery and environment, said: “Moving heavy duty vehicles like fire engines away from fossil fuels is a difficult challenge, so this is an important step in exploring and advancing zero carbon solutions.”

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.