https://www.shieldsgazette.com/business/...de-5407439

A clean-energy agreement signed on the other side of the world is set to boost jobs and economic prospects on South Tyneside for years to come.Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, has signed two international agreements in Japan, bringing together the Port of Tyne’s growing role as a clean energy and low-carbon logistics hub with Hitachi’s global expertise in mobility and energy.

The agreements will boost the bus network, create new green jobs, and accelerate the North East’s green transition.

Signed today in Tokyo, the agreements underscore the growing partnerships between the parties and their commitment to innovation, decarbonization, and job creation.

The first agreement will see Hitachi support the transformation of public transport in the North East, including a plan to reduce emissions of every local bus in the region to zero within a decade.

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 recognised 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.

A second green jobs agreement will see Hitachi work with the North East Combined Authority and Port of Tyne to develop the ‘Smart Port of the Future’ through a dedicated clean e-fuels hub.

Together, they will assess the viability of on-site production and use of e-fuels to help decarbonise maritime transport and boost the regional economy.

The partners will also collaborate on innovation, digital transformation, clean energy infrastructure and skills development.

The cornerstone of the agreement between the North East Combined Authority, Port of Tyne and Hitachi is a shared commitment to sustainable transport and clean energy.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: “Japan’s investment in North East England continues and I’m pleased to be meeting the senior leadership team of Hitachi Ltd. and signing two new agreements which will see Hitachi back our plans to transform buses in the North East and boost our clean energy sector.

“We know the Hitachi team well and continue to support the team at the factory in Newton Aycliffe.

“These new agreements will see us work even more closely in the future, so that our region can tap into global best practice and learn from other projects and systems to create a truly world-class transport system which puts the needs of passengers first.

“Hitachi’s leadership in sustainable mobility and green energy will be invaluable as we deliver on our vision for a cleaner, fairer transport system.

“We have big plans for our region’s public transport and I’m determined to transform our transport, bringing buses back into public control and upgrading buses across the region so passengers will be able to see a fully electric fleet within a decade.

Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne welcomed the Memorandums of Understanding as the first step in creating a new clean e-fuels site, saying: “Today’s agreement strengthens Port of Tyne’s position as a leader in low-carbon logistics, combining Hitachi’s global expertise with our ambition for a world-class hub for passengers and freight.

“It is a decisive step towards creating the UK’s first zero-emissions port, powered by smart technology and green innovation, driving new investment and sustainable growth for the region.”

Andrew Barr, President of Hitachi Europe Ltd, said: “Across Europe and around the world, we’re using our strengths in sustainable mobility and clean energy to help cities and regions tackle their biggest challenges — from decarbonising transport to creating the green jobs of the future.

“Working closely with forward-thinking local governments like the North East Mayoral Combined Authority allows us to combine global expertise with local ambition.

“Public-private partnership and knowledge sharing is how we believe devolution will deliver tangible benefits in the region, while also taking a regional approach to Industrial Strategy."

“To make this a reality, we need to work closely with partners like Hitachi to ensure we learn what has worked well elsewhere in the world and how we might take advantage of the tech in the North East.

“We’re also looking at a new e-fuels hub at Port of Tyne, which will help to reduce carbon emissions massively.

“The North East is the home of the green energy revolution and I’m delighted to be working closely with Hitachi and Port of Tyne to drive further growth in the clean energy sector, which could create up to 200 new jobs in our region.”