GUEST COLUMN:
Jordon Cullen
Commercial Manager
ULEMCo Ltd
When I am asked what the market will be for green hydrogen produced in places like Holyhead, my answer is simple. It’s already here.
At ULEMCo, we’re working with fleet operators across the UK who are actively using hydrogen in their vehicles today. This isn’t a concept or a trial waiting to happen. We have around 100 vehicles already operating using hydrogen, and demand is growing.
The challenge now is to match that demand with the right supply. That’s why projects like the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub are so important. They’re not just a signal of ambition – they’re part of a practical effort to decarbonise some of the hardest-to-reach parts of the transport sector.
ULEMCo specialises in enabling existing commercial vehicles to run on hydrogen. Our dual fuel systems allow operators to upgrade vehicles to use a blend of hydrogen and diesel, which reduces emissions now, without having to wait for new vehicle platforms. We also support development and integration of 100% hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cell technologies for more specialist use cases.
This flexibility means we’re working across sectors, including heavy goods, construction, and local authority fleets. These are vehicles with high energy demands and very specific operating requirements. For long-haul HGVs or site machinery, hydrogen’s higher energy density and quick refuelling times make it a more appropriate fit than battery electric in many cases. It means operators can keep vehicles on the road, or on site, without major disruption to their workflows.
It’s not just about performance, though. In construction, for instance, hydrogen allows for refuelling even where there’s no grid connection, which is often the case at early-stage sites. That adds another layer of practicality. It’s this kind of real-world application that’s already driving hydrogen uptake among the early adopters.
We’re seeing interest because the technology works, and because operators understand that they need to reduce emissions without compromising their business model.
But to really accelerate adoption, we need a stronger ecosystem. That means producers and off-takers working more closely together. It means helping end users understand how the hydrogen will be delivered, how it fits into their fleet strategy, and what the long-term cost model looks like. And it means continuing to raise awareness of the options available now, not just those that might exist in the future.
The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub is an example of how this can come together. It’s based on green power, it has a clear route to production, and with the right support, it can become a key supplier to regional users. But these projects only succeed when there’s a joined-up approach. At ULEMCo, we see ourselves as enablers – not just of vehicles, but of the wider hydrogen market. We’re keen to work alongside producers like Menter Môn to bridge the gap between supply and demand.
Of course, there are still barriers. Infrastructure needs to develop. Costs need to fall further. And confidence among end users needs to grow. But the direction of travel is clear. Hydrogen is being taken seriously, not just in theory, but in practical terms. We’re seeing recognition from government, interest from vehicle manufacturers, and positive signals from across the energy sector.
What gives me confidence is that this now feels like a turning point. We have the technology, we have early market activity, and we have a number of projects coming online that will provide the fuel we need. The role of hydrogen in decarbonising transport is no longer an open question. It’s a matter of how quickly we can work together to make it mainstream.
