Hydrogen Technology Fiscal Support 2020-12-01
2020-12-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the lack of support for hydrogen fuel cells and the broader UK hydrogen economy. The MP seeks specific fiscal steps to boost these areas.
What fiscal steps are being taken to support investment in (a) hydrogen fuel cell usage in the automotive industry and (b) the UK's hydrogen economy; and if he will make a statement.
The Government are supporting the development of the early fuel cell electric vehicle market through the £23 million hydrogen for transport programme. The spending review confirmed an automotive transformation fund to help industry transition to low-carbon vehicles. At the spending review, the Chancellor also announced £240 million over the next four years to support the aim of 5 GW of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the re-establishment of passenger service on a railway line that is currently used only for freight, with hydrogen fuel cells proposed as an energy source. The MP suggests that the levelling up fund would be suitable for this project.
I thank my hon. Friend for her answer. The West Midlands Rail Executive and I are both very keen to re-establish passenger traffic on the Lichfield to Burton railway line, which currently is used just for freight traffic—it would stop, too, at the National Memorial Arboretum. The plan is that the locomotives will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Does my hon. Friend not agree with me that the levelling up fund would be ideal for that project?
My hon. Friend is, as ever, a great champion for his local area. I understand that Transport for West Midlands, in partnership with Staffordshire Council and the local rail executive, has already engaged with the Restoring Your Railway fund. Regarding the specific proposal he is referencing, the Department for Transport has announced that there will be a further round of bidding for the fund. Other aspects of the proposal might be eligible for support from the £4 billion levelling-up fund; the Government will set out more details on eligibility in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific eligibility criteria and timelines for the levelling up fund were not provided, leaving it uncertain whether this project would be supported by it.
Response accuracy