Hydrogen Industries At Heart Of Another Bumper Big Big Project

Young innovators in hydrogen have led the way in another successful edition of the Big Big Project.

Now in its sixth year, the Big Big Project connects students, schools and businesses through a unique learning and innovation programme.

This year’s competition has seen more than 90 students from 14 secondary schools across the region pitch their boldest ideas to help secure our home’s position at the forefront of the UK’s clean hydrogen revolution.

Each school was supported by expert mentors from 14 local businesses, with 21 professionals lending their knowledge of industry, presentation skills and project planning to help students develop ideas with real-world impact.

Teams of six to eight students were tasked with designing a “Hydrogen SuperPlace” plan — considering everything from local infrastructure and transport to public awareness and changing peoples’ behaviours.

With inspiration drawn from Combined Authority’s own plans to secure the region as a national hydrogen superpower, students were encouraged to identify local opportunities to reduce emissions, promote clean energy and improve lives.

Following two competitive virtual rounds – with judging panels from Jacobs, Amentum and TVCA – three finalist schools remained.

The final trio of Egglescliffe School, Polam Hall School, Darlington, and The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Hartlepool, presented their visions to an audience including employers, academic leaders, parents and sector experts.

And it was Egglescliffe School who came out on top in 2025.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are leading the way when it comes to clean energy, and hydrogen is right at the heart of that. But we won’t succeed unless the next generation is on board, inspired and ready to lead.

“The Big Big Project shows exactly what’s possible when our young people are given the opportunity to tackle real challenges — and they’ve stepped up in a big way.

“These students aren’t just learning — they’re helping to shape the future and they’re coming up with ideas that matter. I couldn’t be prouder of their ambition, their ideas and the incredible support from our local businesses.”

The Big Big Project is an annual business challenge designed to help develop young people’s skills while also engaging them in potential future careers.

Egglescliffe student Oliver said: It has helped me realise that there is so much opportunity right here in Teesside that I just didn’t know existed. It’s made me really think about what I do after school.

Fellow pupil Imogen added: “If you had told me at the very beginning that this project would involve standing in front of an audience of strangers and other schools and speaking, I wouldn’t have signed up. But I did it and want to do it again next year!”

The programme aims to develop communication, confidence, leadership, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills, all vital to succeed in the world of work. Students are linked with business mentors from local firms, taking part in rounds to present their projects which are scored and teams eliminated, all culminating in a grand finale.

Led by the Tees Valley Careers Hub team and delivered in partnership with global technical consultancy firm Jacobs, which has a base in Stockton.