Metro Tasmania is closer to getting the wheels on the ground for the Rockliff Liberal Government’s Zero Emission Bus Trial operational trials.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said Metro Tasmania will conduct trials of three battery electric buses in Launceston and three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in Hobart for up to three years.
“Foton Mobility, Custom Bus Group and H2H Energy have been appointed as suppliers for the trials,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Foton Mobility will supply and maintain the hydrogen fuel cell buses and is an Australian-owned alternative-fuel heavy vehicle distributor specialising in leading zero-emissions transport in Australia.
“Custom Bus Group will supply the battery electric buses and associated battery chargers and provide training in maintenance and operation to Metro. Custom operates in Australia and the UK manufacturing electric buses, providing a holistic approach for zero-emissions mobility.
“These clean energy vehicles could be the catalyst for the eventual full transformation of our public bus fleet.”
Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Roger Jaensch, said the Zero Emissions Bus Trial was an important part of achieving our target of net zero emissions, or lower, from 2030.
“Transport accounts for some 21 per cent of our state-wide emissions (excluding land use and forestry) so trialling clean fuel options is an opportunity to reduce Tasmania’s emissions and will provide valuable lessons in the transition to zero emissions technology,” Mr Jaensch said.
“H2H Energy will supply and maintain the hydrogen refuelling station at Metro’s Mornington depot and is an Australian-owned company specialising in hydrogen production, storage and use.”
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Guy Barnett, said “Importantly, proving that the use of hydrogen in the transport sector in Tasmania is viable reinforces our goal of establishing a green hydrogen hub at Bell Bay.
“The Blue Economy CRC is a key partner of the bus trial, and it is expected that it will be supplying the green hydrogen to fuel the buses from its 700 kW electrolyser,” Minister Barnett said.
“All up we are providing $6 million for Metro to conduct the battery electric buses trial and up to $11.3 million for the hydrogen fuel cell electric bus trial and Tasmania’s first hydrogen refueller.”
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
More Media Releases from the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport