The United Kingdom and the private sector will invest $17.7 million toward the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and infrastructure, according to ITM Power, an energy storage and clean fuel company.

The initial network will establish 15 hydrogen refueling stations by the end of next year. The government is offering $12 million, while the remaining $5.6 million is being supplied by the industry.

This effort is part of the UK’s goal to become the leader in fuel cell electric vehicles. The UK H2 Mobility Project was established to evaluate the benefits of FCEVs to the UK and to develop a roadmap for the introduction of vehicles and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said by 2040 all new cars and vans will be ultra-low emission vehicles.