Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:35 pm on 27 June 2018.
It could be. Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. It adds to the attractiveness of the facility. As I said in the statement regarding what was called within the civil service and my office 'Project Hornby', but will be a global centre of research excellence, this was demand-led by the industry and, as you're aware, there are huge, huge sums of money being set aside for the development of more advanced hydrogen-driven trains, and I'm confident that, as a test facility, we could be seeing those products, those trains, that rolling stock, tested in Wales.
Our aim is, as outlined by the economic action plan, a carbon-zero bus and taxi service and sectors within 10 years, and we're currently scoping potential pathways for that to happen. Hydrogen could have a role to play—there is no doubt about it—especially in the bus sector, but hydrogen buses currently attract a considerably higher cost premium compared to other options. That, of course, will reduce over time as hydrogen buses are mainstreamed into the network.
Dirprwy Lywydd, we will continue to support the transport sector in developing and implementing new technologies, reflecting their role in our decarbonisation pathways, and the opportunities they represent for a successful future economy in supporting our wider well-being goals. I think our investment in Tech Valleys will encourage this, as will our investment in businesses such as Riversimple, and in facilities such as the rail test facility that's going to be constructed on the Neath Port Talbot and Powys border.
In terms of grid capacity, the point that was raised by Russell George, I would agree that there is a very, very urgent need for further investment to strengthen capacity on the grid, but I am pleased that National Grid are opening a centre of excellence and research in Wales.
So, thanks again for the opportunity to debate this important matter today, and to Simon Thomas in particular for saving me from the need to watch Match of the Day later, having disclosed the outcome of the German match in the world cup.