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UK’s green transport ambitions fuel expansion for East Midlands manufacturer Luxfer

UK’s green transport ambitions fuel expansion for East Midlands manufacturer Luxfer

Tom Randall, MP for Gedling, takes a spin in hydrogen car at Luxfer’s Nottingham site, in ‘Road to COP26’ event

The UK drive towards achieving net zero by 2050 by harnessing hydrogen technology has fuelled expansion plans by Nottingham-based manufacturer, Luxfer Gas Cylinders.

Already employing more than 200 people from across the region at its Colwick base, Luxfer is reviewing growth plans, aligned to a strategic commitment to hydrogen storage systems as demand for its alternative fuel expertise increases.

The global supplier of storage systems and high-pressure cylinders welcomed Tom Randall, MP for Gedling, to Colwick this week, to learn more about the world-first projects produced by Luxfer’s Nottingham engineers.

Following in the footsteps of HRH Prince of Wales, Mr Randall took a spin in the zero-emission Rasa hydrogen car – one of the greenest on Earth – produced by manufacturer Riversimple and featuring an alternative fuel system designed in Nottingham.

The MP for Gedling also toured Luxfer’s specialist alternative fuel facility, and received a personalised cylinder to commemorate the visit.

Mr Randall said:

“I really enjoyed my visit to Luxfer in Colwick to see their work. Hydrogen is a vital alternative fuel to help decarbonise the UK’s transport network. It was great to meet the people developing the technology that powers our buses and trains; the kind of equipment that is perhaps out-of-sight for passengers, but critical to helping achieve net zero by 2050.”

Tony Edwards, Vice President & General Manager of Luxfer Gas Cylinders Europe, added:

“Our Nottingham team is at the forefront of hydrogen technology, embedding storage systems into world-first projects in buses, trucks, trains, and more. These will help pave the way to decarbonising transport, which is critical to meeting targets to reach net zero.

“As we countdown to COP26, which will focus global attention on sustainability, we wanted to recognise the hard work of our team, and celebrate it with Tom and our partner Riversimple.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in enquiries for our expertise in hydrogen systems, and this means we’ll be looking to grow our team in the near future – which is great news for the region and for the planet, as we focus on ways to tackle the climate emergency.”

The visit formed part of the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association’s ‘Road to COP26’ campaign to promote the ‘Best of British’ companies and technologies that are playing a part to make the world cleaner and greener.

Commenting on the visit Celia Greaves, CEO of the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, said:

“We are delighted to see Tom Randall visit Luxfer to hear more about the work that the business is doing and the key role that it plays in the UK’s hydrogen economy. Firms like Luxfer show that hydrogen is not only a solution for the future, but is a technology that is happening here and now.

“As the UK approaches COP26, the spotlight will be on how the UK will achieve its ambitious carbon emission reduction targets. Firms such as Luxfer will play an integral role in helping to achieve the Government’s green ambitions.”

The Road to COP26 campaign is supported by the UK Government’s Department for International Trade and is aiming to promote the UK’s domestic hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the run up to the COP26 climate conference, taking place in Glasgow between 1 and 12 November 2021.

Picture: Luxfer Vice President Tony Edwards with Tom Randall MP and the hydrogen car

 


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