Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 16, Tasmania has deployed its first hydrogen electric buses (HEBs) in Hobart, integrating three green buses into Metro’s fleet as part of the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) trial. This initiative, the state’s first public transport project using locally produced hydrogen, aims to demonstrate hydrogen bus performance on urban routes while cutting emissions and fossil fuel use.

The HEBs feature electric motors powered by batteries, charged by hydrogen fuel cells that emit only water vapor. Refueling takes place at Metro’s dedicated station in Hobart, using locally sourced green hydrogen. The project is backed by the Tasmanian Government, Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania, the Department of State Growth (Tas), and partners Foton Mobility Distribution, H2H Energy, and the Blue Economy CRC.

For two years, the buses will operate on Hobart routes, collecting data on performance in Tasmania’s climate and terrain. The trial supports Metro’s modernization and informs the broader Tasmanian hydrogen sector.

Central to the trial is H2H Energy’s Australian-made H2CORE refueling system, a containerized unit dispensing hydrogen at 35 or 70 MPa. It stores hydrogen onsite, supplied by tube trailer or electrolyser, reducing infrastructure challenges for hydrogen fleets.

Ben Hely, Metro Tasmania’s General Manager, said: “The H2CORE system’s speed and reliability are critical to keeping our buses on the road without disruption, making hydrogen a viable zero-emission alternative for public transport.” The system’s efficiency supports the HEBs’ daily operations, highlighting hydrogen’s potential for sustainable transport.