The State of New South Wales’ (NSW) first trial of a hydrogen-powered bus will begin on the Central Coast later this year, as the NSW Government transitions its fleet to zero emission technology.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the project would help create a thriving green hydrogen industry in NSW. “Unlocking hydrogen use in the heavy transport sector is key to creating new industries and achieving the economic prosperity that comes with it,” he commented. “A green hydrogen industry will encourage NSW investment in clean technology, grow our economy, boost our exports and support regional jobs.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said industry is partnering with bus operators to develop trials, to understand how the technology could be implemented across regional NSW. “Hydrogen buses have a greater range than battery electric buses, which could make them better suited for use in regional and outer metropolitan areas of the state,” he explained.
“This trial is the first step towards us getting a better understanding of how hydrogen buses perform in local conditions, as well as the infrastructure needed to support them. The results of the battery electric bus trial on the Central Coast will be compared against the hydrogen bus to understand any key differences, including fuel economy and refueling times. In some regional areas buses need to travel greater distances before they refuel which is why trials like this are important,” he added.
“Our focus is on helping local and state governments reach zero-emission targets with turnkey transport options that are 100 per cent Australian designed, built and supported,” stated the Managing Director and founder of ARCC Peter Murley.
The first hydrogen fuel cell bus is expected to arrive on the Central Coast later this year before starting a local trial of the technology.
