Hitachi and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness have signed two international agreements that bring together Hitachi’s global expertise in mobility and energy with the region’s ambitions, alongside the Port of Tyne’s growing role as a clean energy and low-carbon logistics hub.
The agreements will boost the bus network, create new green jobs, and accelerate the North East’s transition to net zero.
Signed today in Tokyo, the agreements underscore all parties’ growing international partnerships and commitment to innovation, decarbonization, and job creation.
The first agreement will see Hitachi support the Mayor’s vision to transform public transport in the North East, including her commitment to make every local bus in the region zero-emission within a decade.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness stated that Japan’s investment in North East England, through Hitachi, back the plans to transform buses in the North East and boost the clean energy sector.
Bus passengers across the North East will benefit from Hitachi’s global expertise in advanced technology and charging solutions for zero-emission fleets.
With the North East recognized as the UK’s first AI Growth Zone, this strategic partnership will also explore how AI can enhance digital monitoring of transport vehicles and infrastructure across the region.
Under the agreement, Hitachi and the North East Combined Authority will assess how Hitachi’s HMAX solutions can drive AI-powered innovation.
Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, welcomed the MoU as the first step in creating a new clean e-fuels site, as it combines Hitachi’s global expertise with an ambition for a world-class hub for passengers and freight.
A second green jobs agreement will see Hitachi work with the North East Combined Authority and Port of Tyne on the vision to develop a “Smart Port of the Future” via a dedicated clean e-fuels hub.
The parties will collaborate to assess the viability of on-site production and use of e-fuels to help decarbonize maritime transport and boost the regional economy. The partners will also collaborate on innovation, digital transformation, clean energy infrastructure, and skills development.
The partnership between the North East Combined Authority, Port of Tyne, and Hitachi builds on a shared vision for sustainable transport and clean energy.
Andrew Barr, President of Hitachi Europe, commented that across Europe and around the world, they’re using their strengths in sustainable mobility and clean energy to help cities and regions tackle their biggest challenges from decarbonizing transport to creating the green jobs of the future.
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