Canadian hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Loop Energy expands to UK

Loop Energy, the Canadian designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles and power generation is to extend its presence in Europe by expanding into the UK. The facility will be in Grays, Essex, located near a developing cluster of manufacturers aiming to decarbonise road transport, including Tevva Motors.

Loop recently signed a multi-year fuel cell supply agreement with Tevva, which includes delivery commitments in excess of £10 million through 2023.

The Toronto Stock Exchange listed company says its move is a reaction to growing customer demand for fuel cells in continental Europe and the UK.

Commenting on the expansion, Loop Energy President & CEO, Ben Nyland, said, “We are excited to open a new facility in the UK, where both the private and public sector is quickly growing around decarbonising commercial vehicles. We were pleased to see the UK government’s recent commitment to the hydrogen sector, with the Business Secretary’s pledge to unlock £9bn investment needed to make hydrogen a cornerstone of the UK’s greener future.

“Our investment commitment for the UK market is strategic to serve both UK and the rest of Europe. We expect to service a truck and bus market size upwards of US $15 Billion over the next 2 to 3 years, and our UK facility is established as the localised support centre for these vehicles. Our investments to the UK will grow in lock-step with the growth of our local OEM customers, and our investment strategy will align with the timing and volume of our ecosystem partners as the industry ramps up supply to this market.

“We also believe that the UK’s strong pool of manufacturing and design talent will help take Loop to the next level in its growth story.”

UK Business Minister Lord Callanan added, “Hydrogen is likely to be fundamental to cutting emissions across some of our largest forms of commercial transport – from buses to heavy goods vehicles. As the world shifts to cleaner transport it is critical we embed a UK supply chain that can capture the economic opportunities of hydrogen technology. Loop Energy’s expansion in Essex is fantastic news for the region, bringing green jobs and growth, while adding to the UK’s reputation as a leader in hydrogen and fuel cell research.”