As a part of a summer trial, Protium has produced and supplied green hydrogen to power gas distribution network Wales & West Utilities (WWU) light commercial vehicle (LCV) trial in collaboration with Ford. The project was launched to evaluate the real-world performance of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell (H2 FCEV) LCV, as a part of the wider UK-wide conversation around the multiple challenges associated with commercial vehicle decarbonisation, offering a clear pathway to decarbonise emergency, Critical National Infrastructure and utility fleets.
To support WWU’s fleet operations nearby, at Swansea, in South Wales, Protium supplied green hydrogen manufactured at its recently opened and operational Pioneer 2 facility in Baglan, Port Talbot.
A Regional Hydrogen Ecosystem in Action
The success of the trial highlights the strength of local collaboration across the green energy supply chain. Protium provided fuel to site using its 350 bar, 360kg Tube Trailers. The gas was compressed to 700 bar and decanted into vehicles via Fuel Cell Systems’ HyQube 850 refueller, a transportable, modular hydrogen refuelling solution capable of supporting multiple vehicles. The refuelling was completed on Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions’ site in Swansea.
By bringing together green fuel, a refuelling infrastructure, and fuel-cell vehicles, the trial provides a model for how localised hydrogen ecosystems can be set up to support the deployment of fleet vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Simulating Real-World Fleet Performance
The trial was set up to evaluate the practical viability of deploying hydrogen fuel cell vehicle within a Critical National Infrastructure fleet which performs a key energy security and public safety role. Dedicated engineers monitored the vehicle during daily operations across South Wales, gathering critical data on fuel consumption, operational range, payload, and refuelling times and quantities.
Key operational outcomes of the ecosystem trial will be to incorporate the real-world operational data into WWU’s Total Cost of Operation model, to enable the duty cycle performance of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to be compared with current diesel and battery electric types.
As the second trial in this series, the project provides a scalable blueprint for fleet operators across the UK seeking zero-emission transportation solutions that satisfy both productivity and sustainability goals. The trial has also demonstrated the potential for transportable hydrogen refuelling systems to support commercial fleet adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
David Muckle, Chief Operating Officer at Protium said:
“Green hydrogen provides a practical solution for light commercial vehicles where duty cycle, payload, range, and rapid refuelling are critical. Protium is proud to supply the hydrogen for this long-term trial, showcasing how regional hydrogen ecosystems can decarbonise essential commercial fleets with front line response.”
Monty Foley-Williamson, Commercial Manager at Protium said:
“This trial is a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when the pieces of the hydrogen supply chain come together in the right place, at the right time. By producing green hydrogen locally in Port Talbot and pairing it with the right infrastructure, we’ve paved the way for a hydrogen refuelling model that can be scaled up to support utility operators like WWU in achieving their aims for fleet decarbonisation. We’re proud to have supported WWU on this project, and we look forward to building on it with fleet operators right across the UK who are ready to make the same move.”
Stephen Offley, Transport Lead for WWU’s Net Zero & Sustainability team, commented:
“Wales & West Utilities currently operates a fleet of around 1300 vehicles across Wales and the southwest of England, regions, which represents a significant part of our carbon footprint. Our fleet covered over 15 million miles in 2025 alone, using 4.3 million litres of diesel fuel. This is clearly an area where we can make huge carbon savings.
Whilst electric vehicles are an option for some of our fleet requirements, they cannot do everything we need: there are currently challenges with payload, range and towing capacities, as well as recharging. The UK public charging network is not yet suitable for our needs and to support our entire fleet.
Exploring the possibility of hydrogen powered vehicles allows us to look at options and solutions that electric vehicles can’t offer us at this time. Refuelling with hydrogen at 700bar allows us to maximise the potential of a zero emission light commercial vehicle. This trial demonstrates our commitment to finding the most operationally effective low-carbon solutions for our fleet and whilst we continue to provide the reliable and efficient services our customers expect.
We are confident that hydrogen will have an important role to play in the decarbonisation of road transport as we move away from fossil fuels. We hope that our vehicle trials will inspire other organisations to consider hydrogen as a zero-emission solution. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the partners and organisations involved in this trial and for their hard work and dedication in making it happen.”
Stelios Karagiorgis, Innovation Project Lead at Ford said:
“We are proud to be working with Wales & West Utilities on this important project. By combining Ford’s engineering expertise with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology, this trial demonstrates how zero-emission vehicles can meet the real-world demands of everyday fleet operations.”
About Protium
Protium is one of the UK’s leading green hydrogen companies. We make green hydrogen simple for customers by providing end-to-end solutions that help businesses decarbonise reliably, affordably, and safely, replacing fossil fuels across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, industrial, and transport.
By pioneering the scale-up and adoption of green hydrogen and its derivatives in the UK, Protium delivers practical hydrogen solutions that work today. Our capabilities span production, distribution, and on-site deployment, supported by expert guidance from technical services to commercial development to enable a confident transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
Protium’s growing national portfolio spans a planned network of three production sites and four distribution hubs. Operational assets include the flagship Pioneer 2 facility in Wales and the South Coast Hydrogen Hub in Dorset, complemented by key growth projects such as the newly planning-approved Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility in Scotland and projects hubs in South Teesside.
About Wales & West Utilities
Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is the gas distribution network which owns and maintains more than 35,000 kilometres of gas pipes, supplying gas to around 2.5 million households and businesses across Wales and the south west of England.
WWUs is committed to investing and innovating as part of our journey to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This includes delivering a net zero ready network by 2035, so we can transport green gases like biomethane and hydrogen, helping us to decarbonise heat, power, and transport.
About Ford
The vehicle, plated at 4.25t gross vehicle weight features a tool pod and drop side body, constructed by Ford’s bodywork partner, VFS.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
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