The Canadian firm revealed today (August 16), the expansion would see a new facility established in Grays, Essex, near a group of manufacturers driving transport decarbonisation.

With demand for zero emission vehicles having surged across continental Europe and the UK, the new facility hopes to meet the growing need for fuel cell technologies, as well as improve supply to its current customer, Tevva.

Read more: Loop, Tevva sign multi-year fuel cell supply agreement

Having already entered the Australian bus market as a supplier of its fuel cell modules to Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC), the planned UK expansion widens the company’s reach of the clean mobility market.

Read more: Loop Energy collaborates with NSW manufacturer on hydrogen-powered buses

Ben Nyland, President and CEO of Loop Energy, 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.

“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 $15bn over the next two to three years, and our UK facility is established as the localised support centre for these vehicles.

“Our investments to the UK will grow in lockstep 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.”

Commenting on the planned Loop facility, Lord Callanan, UK Business Minister, said, “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.”