Hydrogen is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative fuel source to decarbonise the transport and energy sectors. At present, hydrogen mobility has been adopted in many other countries as part of clean energy and emission reduction targets. In addition to contributing zero emissions, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are highly efficient while improving air quality and noise pollution.
This time last year in 2020 the first hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric bus, a Caetano H2.CityGold bus, operated on various routes throughout Dublin & Meath. The trial was organised by Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) and DCU and supported by CIE, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, the Department of Transport, and other stakeholders.
This report presents the results of the data gathered from the first hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric bus trial; operated on various routes throughout Dublin & Meath between November and December 2020. The hydrogen fuel cell electric bus travelled 3086km on Irish roads during the 8 week trial period. The bus, which can be refuelled in less than 9 minutes and a range of 400km, received a high level of public passenger satisfaction when surveyed. It was found that the hydrogen bus has suitable design, range, efficiency, refuelling time and comfort for the various circuit and shuttle routes chosen in either urban or suburban and rural settings, in various winter weather conditions on Irish roads. The hydrogen bus performed with an average hydrogen consumption of 5.6kg/100km or 6.7MJ/km with zero tailpipe emissions (zero NOx or CO2 or CO or CH4 emissions). It is shown that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles using hydrogen produced directly from renewable sources can have lower life cycle carbon intensity and equivalent efficiency as grid connected battery electric vehicles.
This trial is important from the perspective of the Irish State, who are the key actor in developing a pathway for Ireland to deliver the levels of emissions reductions required between now and 2030. Seeing and trialling hydrogen bus technology is essential for Irish bus owners and operators, to gain experience and understanding of this zero emissions technology. It is important for those who provide public transport services in Ireland and their partners to gain knowledge in the operation of a Hydrogen fuel cell bus in actual service on a mix of urban, suburban and rural routes.
Two main recommendations for government are:
– To development Ireland’s Hydrogen Strategy
– To support the development of a national hydrogen refuelling network for public transport and heavy duty vehicle applications in Ireland.
This trial is seen in the context of further deployments involving double decker buses in Dublin by the NTA in 2021 and the developments in Northern Ireland where Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses will operate on the Belfast City Bus fleet using green hydrogen.
Read the report into the hydrogen bus trial here:
