UK's first custom-built hydrogen waste collection vehicle arrives in St Helens Borough

This pioneering investment by St Helens Borough Council forms part of its wider fleet and operational modernisation, and its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Ahead of its first collection rounds in the coming weeks, the vehicle's appearance in St Helens today (Tuesday 20 September) saw international partners and local stakeholders come together for a presentation at St Helens Town Hall about its merits and a demonstration of its green technology.

The FAUN Zoeller Bluepower is a hydrogen-electric hybrid vehicle that uses an electric motor for drive and a hydrogen fuel cell to charge the battery while the vehicle is operating, meaning zero carbon emissions while in operation.

The vehicle is also dramatically quieter than traditional diesel vehicles and has been successfully piloted in Germany over the past two years. The council is hoping to invest in additional Bluepower vehicles in the future.

FAUN Zoeller UK have developed the vehicle with Daimler AG based in Stuttgart, St Helens Borough's historic twin town in Germany.

Aside from the elimination of emissions that the vehicle will emit , the partnership with FAUN Zoeller - alongside the council's investment in electric as part of its wider fleet modernisation - will unlock development opportunities in green skills for staff with dedicated on-site support and training provided.

The vehicle could also be the subject of educational programmes in the community and with local schools and colleges, giving young people the chance to learn about hydrogen technology and the role it will likely play in powering the economy for years to come.

And it boosts the case for further investment in electric and hydrogen transport infrastructure in the borough and the wider Liverpool City Region.

The presentation event also saw the announcement of a naming competition for the vehicle, to be run in local primary schools.

Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "Our aspiration is to be at the forefront of a green revolution taking place in the region - investing in renewables, diversifying the green skills of our workforce, future-proofing our services, hosting cutting-edge decarbonisation projects in industry and fostering climate action locally at grassroots.

"Supported by investment in electrics and the most efficient diesel vehicles, we have confidence that our decarbonisation plans can be introduced in a managed way that doesn't compromise service delivery to our residents.

"This vehicle represents our faith in the renewables sector as both a service provider and employer, and our commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040, and I'm delighted to see it arrive in the borough."