UK Manufacturer Cummins has secured a UK government contract to develop hydrogen engines at its Darlington site in North East England.

Unite the union has praised the announcement as "groundbreaking".

Cummins has been awarded £14.6 million to develop a hydrogen engine as part of the government's Brunel project. The project is aiming to develop a hydrogen engine that is suitable to replace the existing diesel engines which are used in the road haulage business. The new investment will help to protect the jobs of 640 workers.

Important step forward

Unite assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner said: "This is an incredible development, an important step forward in the battle against the climate crisis.

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"It's also a huge tribute to Cummins, one of our most innovative and groundbreaking companies in this field, and this tremendous, world-class workforce.

"I have been exceptionally proud to support Cummins and delighted that their dedication has paid off. This project provides secure, decent, unionised jobs for this community.

"The climate crisis is very real and it is already upon us but the UK manufacturing workforce is determined to play its part in creating the vehicles and products that can help heal our planet.

"Hydrogen fuel has the genuine potential to be a game-changer, to deliver the fuel and infrastructure needed to power cleaner vehicles.

"But while this development is an important step forward I urge the government to get behind all the UK manufacturers that are working at pace to produce green alternatives by rolling up its sleeves and investing in the infrastructure needed to get these innovations to the consumer.

"The sad truth is our national investment is simply not on the same scale as that of other developed economies, and certainly does not reflect the urgency of the situation. The UK government must step up and become a fully-engaged partner in the battle to halt the climate crisis."