Julian urges progress on hydrogen vehicles
June 21, 2016
Last Wednesday in Parliament, Julian, a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, raised the issue of hydrogen vehicles. Julian stressed the need for the UK to keep up with international competitors in the development of this kind of cutting-edge technology.
Speaking in a debate on developing infrastructure for electric and low emission vehicles, he said “My hon. Friend is making a powerful argument about technicians and the way that technology is moving. I am delighted that York was awarded ‘Go Ultra Low’ city status for its work on installing electric charging points to move the electric car industry forwards. He is right about infrastructure, but does he agree that electric cars will not solve the whole problem and that we have to consider hydrogen, too? Does he agree that Germany and Japan are moving their hydrogen technology forward at a rapid pace? Is that not something that the UK should follow? We also need to train technicians in hydrogen technology, as well as on the electrical side of things.”
York’s closest refuelling centre for hydrogen cars is currently in Rotherham, and Mr Sturdy is concerned that the area needs to build on the good work already done locally in supporting low-emission vehicles.
Mr Sturdy has pursued the matter by tabling parliamentary questions to Amber Rudd, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. He has asked if the government has any plans has for facilitating the development of infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles in the York area and nationwide, and if an assessment has been made of the relative advantages of hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles.
