Hydrogen-fuelled buses are being trialled for the first time in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Local bus operator South Wales Transport have provided transport services as part of the initiative which is being delivered by a private sector consortium.
The H2 City Gold bus, which only emits clean water and filters the air passing through to seating areas, is being provided by Toyota company Caetano Bus UK in partnership with private hire operator Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions. The hydrogen fuel is being supplied by developer Protium from its recently commissioned installation at the University of South Wales Hydrogen Centre in the Baglan Energy Park.
Fuel Cell Systems, which also supported trials in Milford Haven with Pembrokeshire Council is providing the hydrogen refuelling system. The firm also played a role in producing the facility in Baglan developed by Protium, and says it sees big opportunities for additional production and refuelling sites in the region.
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The area has a long history with hydrogen as Sir William Grove, the 18th century inventor of the fuel cell which converts hydrogen into electricity, was a Swansea resident. The trials are operating ahead of the Western Gateway Hydrogen conference being held at the Celtic Manor on June 9th.
The bus and cars will be displayed at the event and feedback from the trials will be shared with delegates which include all of the local authorities within the Western Gateway region.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth Councillor Jeremy Hurley said: “We are pleased to support these trials as the use of hydrogen is very much part of the council’s Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy (DARE) strategy.
“Hydrogen fuelled buses offer a practical solution for communities to decarbonise 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.”
Jayne Cornellius of Swansea University’s sustainability team said: “Decarbonising public transport is key to achieving our individual and collective commitments for net zero carbon.”
The trial will soon be adding another bus route running between Neath Bus Station and Pontardawe. The Neath route was chosen to see how the bus performs on long hills - a challenge for battery powered buses and a great demonstration of the advantages of hydrogen vehicles.
South Wales Transport managing director Bev Fowles said: “It’s great to be able to test new technologies such as the Caetano City Gold bus in real world scenarios. I’m confident that hydrogen will help us achieve a Net Zero public transport system in South Wales.”
Founder and chief executive of Hyppo Hydrogen Chris Foxall said: ”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. Hyppo is looking to expand its operations beyond the trial, building a local hydrogen ecosystem that will help decarbonise communities and create local jobs.”
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