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New hydrogen and electric refuse collection vehicles are being trialled in Wales in a “groundbreaking” new scheme.

The trial, launched on Thursday February 26, marks a significant milestone in Wales’ efforts to push forward cleaner, greener transport – particularly within hard-to-decarbonise public service fleets such as waste collection.

Caerphilly County Borough Council is working alongside its counterparts in neighbouring Rhondda Cynon Taf, as well as hydrogen firms Ricardo and Hyppo, with support from the Welsh Government’s Climate Innovation and Circular Economy programmes.

The schemes have been backed by funding of more than £420,000.

A showcase event brought together public sector leaders, industry specialists and local authority representatives in Treforest to see both vehicles in action.

Throughout the trial, engineers and fleet managers will collect data to assess energy use, range, performance, and suitability across different routes and landscapes. The findings will help inform future investment decisions in zero-emission fleet technologies across Wales.

The project is being delivered by the Cardiff Capital Region, which brings together ten local authorities across South East Wales. Mike Brough, strategic director for regional growth at Cardiff Capital Region, said: “Heavy-duty fleets are one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise and by bringing hydrogen and electric technologies together in a real‑world environment, we’re helping local authorities make informed, future‑proof decisions.

“It’s exciting, genuinely groundbreaking work and a fantastic example of regional collaboration driving practical climate action.”

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the Welsh Government’s investment “represents an important development for climate innovation in Wales”

He added: “By testing hydrogen and electric vehicles side by side, Wales is gathering the evidence needed to make smart, sustainable decisions to mitigate global warming.”

Cllr Amanda McConnell, Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for climate change, said the trial “reflects our ambition to deliver a cleaner and greener waste collection service for our residents in the future”.