Ballymena’s hydrogen buses to star in new international campaign

Hydrogen buses made in Ballymena by Wrightbus are starring in a new campaign by the Department of International Trade (DIT) to showcase the UK’s success in the race to net zero.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

In a stylish video launch bringing together some of the key innovations from across the union that can be seen here, the DIT’s campaign puts the spotlight on the transition to a zero-carbon economy by 2050.

The UK Government in Europe’s Clean Growth Campaign is an ambitious new programme of activity across Europe designed to maximise trade, collaboration and knowledge- sharing between the UK and European countries.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It comes as the UK hosts COP26 to drive global ambition on climate change to deliver on the Paris Agreement.

Jo Bamford, Executive Chairman of Wrightbus, said he was proud to be leading the charge for zero emissions’ transport: “We are witnessing a true revolution in public transport and our world-first hydrogen double-decker, alongside our revolutionary new battery bus, has put Wrightbus back where it belongs.

“I am delighted that our work in zero emissions has been noticed by Government and this campaign really highlights the incredible innovation that goes on within the UK.”

The DIT said the UK’s Climate Act, CfD policy and NetZero legislation lend the UK global credibility and our achievements in offshore wind, green finance, electricity networks and low carbon innovation provide significant opportunities for collaboration across the region.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesperson explained: “Clean growth presents the most significant economic growth of the 21st century. The cost of renewables and other low carbon technology has fallen far more than anticipated. It is already cheaper to build new renewable energy capacity than to continue operating 39% of the world’s coal capacity.

Wrightbus CEO Jo BamfordWrightbus CEO Jo Bamford
Wrightbus CEO Jo Bamford

“Solar and wind are already cheaper than coal power in two thirds of the world.

“Renewable technology is also scalable and therefore affordable and other renewables offer the chance to ‘leapfrog’ grid technology in the same way as mobile phone networks have leapfrogged landline technology. Clean growth presents a similar, perhaps greater opportunity.

“Working together, countries can develop zero emission solutions faster, increase economies of scale, and bring down costs more quickly. The UK is committed to working with all governments, civil society and businesses to accelerate climate ambition in the road to COP26.”

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you