Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, visited Cummins Darlington to learn more about the company’s transition to zero-carbon technologies. The Minister was joined by Ben Houchen, the Mayor of Tees Valley. The Minister and Mayor viewed a zero-carbon hydrogen internal combustion engine powered concept truck, toured the Darlington engine plant, and met the local apprentices and staff that support the development of Cummins’ innovative products and solutions.
During their visit, Lord Callanan and Ben Houchen engaged in discussions with engineers that are involved in the development of Cummins’ hydrogen internal combustion engine and how this technology could play a major role in the hydrogen economy. The Minister also gained an insight into Accelera, Cummins’ business segment offering zero-emission solutions and learned about Accelera’s role as one of the largest electrolyser manufacturers globally.
While touring Cummins’ Darlington plant, they spoke with apprentices to gain an insight into their careers at Cummins and their roles in developing innovative, future-proofing products for the industry. They also engaged in discussions with Cummins leaders, including the Executive Director and Product Strategy Leader Jonathan Atkinson, to learn more about the company’s sustainable initiatives and concepts, which are helping the industry to decarbonise.
Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said: “The UK is leading the way to net zero, we’re backing businesses to deliver the low carbon technologies that will help cut our emissions even further. It was brilliant to visit Cummins and see their hydrogen innovations up close, with the potential for the sector to support over 12,000 jobs by 2030.”
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, added: “Teesside is the UK capital for industries that are playing a key role in advancing sustainable technology. It was great to be back at Cummins Darlington and see first-hand how people from across the organisations are supporting the UK’s decarbonisation efforts”.
Jonathan Atkinson, Executive Director – Product Strategy at Cummins Darlington, said: “It was fantastic to host both Lord Callanan and Ben Houchen at our Darlington site. Our exceptional workforce and facilities play a vital role in developing innovative technology and ensuring that effective decarbonised solutions will one day become commonplace. It was great to be able to share our progress with individuals so invested in the area and energy sector”.
Cummins is working to advance its renowned internal combustion engine and ensure it can accommodate fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas and bio-diesel, in a fuel agnostic engine platform as part of its Destination Zero Strategy. Cummins and Accelera by Cummins are also actively working to improve access to zero-emissions solutions throughout the supply chain, from the production of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, to electrolyser manufacturing and development and production of hydrogen storage solutions through joint venture NPROXX.
The Cummins Darlington campus includes an engine and exhaust after-treatment plant, technical operations and hosts a range of support staff. In total, there are around 1800 Cummins employees on site, servicing over 200 customers across more than 40 countries.
