Hydrogen-fueled H2 City Gold electric buses from Caetano Bus UK and fitted with a HyQube refueller from Fuel Cell Systems have been conducting demonstration operations in South Wales, delivered as part of a private sector consortium which aims to contribute towards a clean energy transition.
The buses – operated by South Wales Transport and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions – use green hydrogen produced and supplied by Protium from its newly established installation at the University of South Wales Hydrogen Centre in the Baglan Energy Park.
“We are pleased to support these trials as the use of hydrogen is very much part of the council’s Decarbonization and Renewable Energy (DARE) strategy,” commented Jeremy Hurley, cabinet member for climate change and economic growth, Neath Port Talbot Council. “Hydrogen fueled buses offer a practical solution for communities to decarbonize public transport and immediately improve air quality. These trials are great news for our county borough and the rest of the region as they could lead the way for cleaner public transport.”
Swansea University exam students have been using the buses as part of the University’s Park and Ride provision. Jayne Cornellius of Swansea University’s sustainability team, added, “Decarbonizing public transport is key to achieving our individual and collective commitments for net zero carbon.”
The bus trial is ongoing and will continue to run on both the exam route and an additional route between Neath Bus Station and Pontardawe.
“It’s great to be able to test new technologies such as the Caetano City Gold bus in real world scenarios,” commented Bev Fowles, managing director of South Wales Transport. “I’m confident that hydrogen will help us achieve a Net Zero public transport system in South Wales.”
“The fuel cell was invented by Swansea Bay resident Sir William Grove and so it is a fitting place to start a hydrogen services business,” said Chris Foxall, founder and CEO of Hyppo Hydrogen. “Hyppo is looking to expand its operations beyond the trial, building a local hydrogen ecosystem that will help decarbonize communities and create local jobs.”