Attendees to a major business convention will be able to travel there on hydrogen powered buses.

The 2024 Convention for the Western Gateway will bring together local leaders, businesses, academics and governments from across South Wales and Western England to discuss how the area can work together to develop the economy of the future for the UK.

The event will take place at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport and also be a launchpad for a new Plan for Sustainable Growth for the area.

Following a deal with Swansea-based firm, Hyppo, delegates for the event can travel to the event via low-carbon hydrogen buses, with pick-ups from Bristol Parkway and Newport railway stations.

John Wilkinson, director of the Western Gateway, said: "It is great to be able to offer clean travel to our convention following this agreement with the team at Hyppo. Hyppo has been a great supporter of the Western Gateway's work to develop a hydrogen ecosystem across our two countries, to see how we can use this new energy source to decarbonise important industry and future-proof our aerospace and wider transport sectors.

"After the success of our cross-border Hydrogen Gateway conference last year, we are really pleased to partner in this unique free, low carbon travel option to this year's event.

"Our area has huge potential to create major economic opportunities for the UK, with world leading innovation and major industry. At this convention, we want to bring business together with our local leaders to understand how we can take this to the next level and compete on the global stage."

Chris Foxall, CEO of Hyppo, said: "I am really pleased to be supporting this Western Gateway Convention, along with our supply chain partners. Hydrogen fuelled transport is no longer the future. We are delivering it now and need to continue to grow this capacity, as the Western Gateway continues to shape the future economy.

"We see a future where clean hydrogen is powering every part of our transportation needs and I hope attendees will enjoy the ride and see the potential to expedite the shift away from fossil fuels."

The convention takes place on July 5. Tickets are available on the event website, where attendees can also register for free hydrogen bus travel to the venue from Bristol Parkway or Newport stations.

The Western Gateway is the pan-regional partnership for South Wales and Western England. Stretching from St Davids in Pembrokeshire to Swindon, it brings together business, academia and local leaders to work together to create new opportunities for local communities.