PIONEERS in clean technology have forged a partnership to help freshen Oxfordshire’s polluted air.

Industry leaders have launched Oxfordshire Hydrogen Hub, a platform pledging to develop ‘innovative and ambitious’ projects to combat contamination and promote clean energy locally.

Oxford is set to introduce the UK’s first zero-emission zone in 2020, and hydrogen technology could play an important role in bringing that ambition to life.

Susan Halliwell, director for planning and place at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Hydrogen technologies have a key role to play in realising this future, providing a pathway to cost effective clean energy.

“The council is committed to supporting the development of a low-carbon future.

“We look forward to working together [with Hydrogen Hub] to drive investment in this important technology.”

The venture is a joint initiative of the county council and the national Hydrogen Hub group, which is looking to roll out local schemes across the country.

The group launched in Swindon and Wiltshire in 2016 and has since driven more than £1.5m of external investment into hydrogen projects in the region.

More than 50 organisations have participated in its work, such as vehicle hire company Arval, which has trialled hydrogen cars in its fleet.

The company’s development manager, Paul Marchment, said: “We consider hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be an important technology that will play a key role in decarbonisation of transport.

“We are delighted Hydrogen Hub is launching in Oxfordshire and look forward to supporting the rollout of [hydrogen] vehicles across the county.”

Kevin Fothergill, chairman of Hydrogen Hub UK, said the Swindon group had helped to ‘establish the region as a leader in clean energy technologies’.

He added: “We look forward to working with Oxfordshire local authorities, the Government and local businesses to help them achieve an innovative and ambitious plan to improve local air quality, and decarbonise energy for the benefit of the local environment and economy.”

Oxfordshire Hydrogen Hub hopes to unite hydrogen experts, businesses and other stakeholders with the council to help cut the county’s carbon footprint.

More than 100 people interested in the project learned more about the initiative at a launch event on Tuesday, which took place at the Saïd Business School.

Speakers included technology developers and people currently utilising the technology, with special guests including Lord Mayor of Oxford Jean Fooks.

It is hoped more Oxfordshire businesses will be inspired to champion clean technology and learn about how it can deliver cost-effective energy.

Two hydrogen cars were displayed in front of the school to demonstrate the technology.