This net zero transport option, powered by hydrogen and generated by Air Products, could reduce 3.6 million kilograms of carbon per annum in the atmosphere for those visiting the national park.
In an attempt to refuel infrastructure for a net zero carbon transport network in the Peak District National Park, a pioneering trial is taking place, where hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV) will run together between multiple destinations and attractions.
The ‘PEAK Express’ is led by the Gateway at PEAK, which could potentially become a major new tourism resort in Chesterfield.
As a collaborative effort between attractions and transport operators, Chesterfield Borough Council and Toyota, this project aims to remove 500,000 visitor journeys from the National Park and provide a national exemplar of sustainable visitor economy growth, reports Open Access Government.
The trial will set out to test the suitability of both FCEV and EV vehicles for use in the area, also, to reduce emissions generated by tourists in the area travelling by car.
The trial route connects eight key locations and attractions including Chesterfield Train Station, Chatsworth, and the Gateway development, acting as a sustainable hub of transport.
The long-term ambition is to see multiple hubs located around the Peak District National Park boundary.
The project aims to explore alternatives to fossil fuels and gather feedback on customer experience.
Additionally, the hydrogen-electric buses will be provided by the company Toyota, and the trial will be used to gather data about each technology’s suitability for the varying terrain and refuelling needs.
Manish Patel, UK Hydrogen for Mobility Director at Air Products said: “It’s really exciting to be providing hydrogen to a project that could make an important contribution to UK carbon neutrality targets, and be a real asset to this region.
“We’re committed to finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Our involvement in the trial is testament to both growing demand for hydrogen fuel and our intention to contribute to the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty transport industry. We’re looking forward to providing safe, reliable clean energy in this landmark trial.”
Jon Hunt, Alternative Fuels Manager at Toyota said: “There is not one simple solution for zero-carbon mobility. That’s why this trial provides us with an exciting opportunity to trial both EV and FCEV vehicles, assessing which is more suitable to different types of journeys across the park.
“We will also be looking at optimal ways to provide refuelling and provide great levels of customer service on board the vehicles.”
Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We are delighted to be a stakeholder for this ground-breaking trial. Protecting the National Park for future generations and developing more sustainable ways for people to visit is high on our agenda. The PEAK Gateway site outside the National Park is an excellent location for a transport hub. The Peak Express service is a commitment to net-zero and will connect more of the National Park’s attractions without the need for a car, making them more accessible and spreading out the economic benefits of tourism.”
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official destination management organisation, said: “We’re delighted to support the trial of the PEAK Express which signals a hugely promising step forward towards our vision of making the Peak District and Derbyshire a world-leading destination for sustainable tourism. Reducing car journeys is one of our key aims, but to do this we must be able to offer visitors a great alternative. The PEAK Express is a fantastic initiative for our area, and as highlighted in our new Sustainable Tourism Plan, the growth of green tourism will play a vital in role in supporting our local visitor economy and ensuring its long-term success.”
Andrew Lavery, Chief Executive of Chatsworth a key attraction on the route, said: “Derbyshire and the Peak District are world-class destinations for domestic and international tourists, and we are thrilled to be part of this trial. Working with partners we are committed to reducing car journeys and supporting and promoting a more sustainable way of getting to and from the Peak District. There’s also a wonderful connection with hydrogen technology and Chatsworth – Henry Cavendish discovered hydrogen in 1766 and so, this venture is very interesting.”
John Milligan, CEO of Milligan developers of the Gateway added; “The PEAK Resort site has been reclaimed from opencast, rewilded and we are investing in its future. PEAK’s proposition emulates the internationally successful ski resort model, providing a mixed range of hospitality, accommodation, retail, wellness and education facilities all served by a zero-carbon mobility service connected to 1,600 miles of trails and world class attractions in the Peak District National Park.
“Milligan has been developing iconic destinations for over 20 years. Our skills lie in curating the right mix of uses which will serve the community and visitors in a sustainable way bringing long term value. This trial is part of the development’s journey to zero and marks an important milestone for Gateway and the National Park.”
PEAK Express is planned to be fully operational as part of the Gateway at PEAK Resort, due to open in Spring 2025.
Original sources: https://highways-news.com/the-trial-for-peak-express-a-hydrogen-powered-net-zero-transport-option-for-tourists-travelling-to-the-peak-district-in-the-uk-starts/
https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/news/2022/9/8/zero-carbon-tourist-transport-network-to-be-trialled-in-britains-original-national-park-a2581
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