Supplied by FAUN Zoeller UK, dubbed Bluepower, the vehicle uses a hydrogen fuel cell to charge the battery while it is in operation, offering zero carbon emissions, and a quieter alternative to diesel vehicles.

The delivery of the vehicle comes as part of St Helens Borough Council’s plans to modernise its wider fleets in its commitment to reach hit Net Zero by 2040.

H2 View understands, if proved successful on its collection rounds, the Council intend to invest in additional Bluepower vehicles in the future.

In addition to its operations, FAUN Zoeller has said the vehicle could also be the subject of educational programmes in the community to give young people the chance to learn about hydrogen technology.

Simon Hyde, CEO of FAUN Zoeller, said, “It’s great to be working in partnership with St Helens Borough Council. To see a local authority willing to invest and act for the future is vital in supporting sustainability and climate change.

“We look forward to supporting them on this continued journey and helping them achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040. We invite and recommend more local authorities to follow in St Helens footsteps for future proofing.”

In March (2022) Aberdeen City Council deployed a hydrogen-fuelled waste collection vehicle onto the streets of the Scottish city, collecting vital data to support the roll-out of future hydrogen-powered vehicles within its fleets.

Read more:  Aberdeen City Council deploys ‘UK’s first’ hydrogen waste truck

Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport for St Helens Borough Council, added, “Our aspiration is to be at the forefront of a green revolution taking place in the region – investing in renewables, diversifying the green skills of our workforce, future-proofing our services, hosting cutting-edge decarbonisation projects in industry, and fostering climate action locally at grassroots.

“Supported by investment in electrics and the most efficient diesel vehicles, we have confidence that our decarbonisation plans can be introduced in a managed way that doesn’t compromise service delivery to our residents.

“This vehicle represents our faith in the renewables sector as both a service provider and employer, and our commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2040, and I’m delighted to see it arrive in the borough.”