Jesse Prendergast, knowledge transfer manager at Innovate UK Business Connect, is set to share insights from the Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme at the Sustainable Supply Chain Conference on 24 June 2025, held at 30 Euston Square in London. Prendergast, who works within Innovate UK Business Connect’s transport team focusing on transport infrastructure, facilitates connections among businesses, academia, and government to translate innovative ideas into impactful solutions. His background includes sustainable transport advisory roles in New Zealand involving walking, cycling, transit infrastructure, land use, and emissions reduction—experience that he now applies to advancing the UK’s transport sector toward integrated, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure across all modes.

Prendergast’s session, titled “Decarbonising HGVs: accelerating the shift to zero-emission logistics,” will focus on Innovate UK’s approach to transforming heavy road freight by deploying zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and developing necessary charging and refuelling infrastructure within the UK. Attendees will gain an update on the four projects supported by the ZEHID programme, which is a £200 million government-backed initiative aiming to significantly decarbonise the heavy goods vehicle sector. The programme is structured in two phases: the first (2024–2026) centres on procurement and infrastructure development, followed by on-road vehicle demonstrations (2026–2031). It targets deploying around 350 battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell HGVs by 2030, alongside over 70 public and depot-based infrastructure installations designed to accelerate the shift to zero-emission logistics and build confidence among operators and policymakers.

ZEHID is a collaborative effort between Innovate UK and the Department for Transport to transform the freight industry by addressing the twin challenges of vehicle deployment and infrastructure rollout. Recent developments include the announcement of 54 strategic infrastructure hubs across the UK, which will be sited at motorways, depots, and key transport routes to support the operation of zero-emission HGVs. The programme is also witnessing tangible progress through newly opened public charging hubs, such as the one at Able Humber Port in Immingham, and the construction of dedicated charging infrastructure at important freight locations like the Port of Tilbury in Essex. These initiatives address critical infrastructure gaps that have historically slowed the adoption of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles, thus underpinning the UK’s broader environmental targets.

However, the journey has not been without setbacks. The Zero Emission Northern (ZEN) Freight consortium, a key component of the ZEHID programme tasked with benchmarking battery-electric and hydrogen trucks against traditional diesel vehicles, had to regroup after BP withdrew as consortium lead. Despite this leadership change, the consortium remains committed to progressing its project, backed by substantial Department for Transport funding, indicating resilience and continued momentum within the UK’s decarbonisation pathway.

The Sustainable Supply Chain Conference itself is a high-profile event bringing together industry leaders from multiple sectors, including government bodies like Defra and NHS England, and major logistics and supply chain companies. It provides attendees with actionable insights on integrating sustainability through the entire supply chain—from raw materials sourcing and production to storage, delivery, and transportation. The event offers a platform to explore how sustainable practices can not only reduce environmental impact but also drive profitability and customer engagement, highlighting the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet. The conference is also accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, providing professional development opportunities.

Overall, the ZEHID programme exemplifies the type of innovation necessary to decarbonise one of the most challenging areas of the supply chain—heavy goods vehicle transport. Initiatives like Jesse Prendergast’s presentation at the conference will help share learnings, foster collaboration, and encourage wider adoption of zero-emission logistics solutions crucial for the UK’s sustainable future.

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Source: Noah Wire Services