ITM Power Plc (LON:ITM) announced today that the GNVERT – VAN HOOL consortium will deploy the first hydrogen bus route in France, in Pau. François Bayrou, President of the community of Pau Béarn Pyrénées, made this public announcement for the creation of a “zero emission” bus route. It will be operated by the Pau transport operator companies SMTU-PPP[1] and STAP[2] from September 2019 between the hospital and the railway station in Pau.
For the first time in France, hydrogen conquers public transport.
Fuelled by hydrogen from renewable sources, eight buses from the Bus Rapid Transit service line (BHNS) will be operating on the streets of Pau within two years, as part of a contract between SMTU-PPP, Engie, Van Hool and ITM Power.
The buses will form an artery of the new transportation network designed by the City within its urban redevelopment project aimed at improving the perception and use of public spaces in a sustainable way.
The use of hydrogen buses is a French first.
The so-called hydrogen buses are electric buses whose energy is stored in the form of pressurized hydrogen: electricity is produced in real time on board the vehicle using innovative technology combining hydrogen and oxygen: a Fuel cell. This “zero emission” technology does not emit any greenhouse gases or atmospheric pollutants during its use, only water vapor.
Hydrogen buses have solid advantages: long driving range (350 km) and rapid recharging (10 minutes). These provide them, amid the various zero-emission bus technology options, with the highest level of operational flexibility and productivity for a bus operator.
The other characteristics of the BHNS buses principally comprise a high-end experience for the traveler (comfort, safety, availability, information), high frequency with short waiting time and a predominantly dedicated bus lane. The BHNS is an effective alternative to the introduction of a rail mode transport, such as the tramway.
The bus will be designed and manufactured by Van Hool, the European manufacturer with the most expertise in hydrogen mobility with more than 50 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) hydrogen buses already in operation. As a leader and innovator, Van Hool is developing, from its electric platform, an articulated 18-meter fuel cell bus model for the needs of this BRT(BHNS) line.
Engie, via its GNVERT subsidiary, responsible for the distribution of alternative fuels, will take charge of the construction and operation of the hydrogen refuelling station for these buses. The hydrogen will be produced on site by an ITM Power PEM electrolyser powered by local renewable electricity, thus ensuring completely decarbonised energy for propulsion.
With this flagship project, the Engie Group is positioning itself as a key player in the energy revolution: promoting green growth through actions such as increasing the share of renewable energies in the French energy mix, the improvement of air quality and the optimisation of transport networks. The choice of this zero emission solution : zero Co2 and zero local pollutants (fine particles, nitrogen oxides, etc.), demonstrates the potential of making the environmental choices required during the energy transition while offering the best service to Pau public transport users.
This bus project is part of a policy for sustainable mobility, preservation of the environment and the living environment of Pau’s inhabitants. The BHNS is the core of a new mobility but also a vector for an enhanced and sustainable quality of life, increasing economic and residential attractiveness.
François Bayrou, President of the Pau Béarn Pyrénées Urban Community declares: “The Pau Béarn Pyrénées conurbation has chosen hydrogen innovation for a “zero emission” solution and is transforming a daily mode of transport into an environmental and human project.”
Nicolas Patriarche, President of the Syndicat Mixte des Transports Urbains (SMTU) adds: “Through the choice of an innovative motorisation, the Syndicat Mixte des Transports Urbains of the Pau agglomeration gives full meaning to the environmental vocation of collective mobility.”
Jan Van Hool, Director of Design & Development, and member of the Van Hool Board, states: “Van Hool is pleased to be able to apply its vast experience in the field of hydrogen-powered vehicles to the new BHNS bus system in Pau. This is a challenge for which we happily roll up our sleeves. On the one hand, Van Hool has sold about 50 Fuel Cell hydrogen vehicles (32 in Europe and 21 in North America) and on the other hand we have introduced just over 200 BHNS buses in 13 European countries and in Martinique. The unique combination of a hydrogen-powered BHNS is undoubtedly a new turning point in the modern and environmentally friendly public transport of tomorrow. ”
Philippe Van Deven, Managing Director of GNVERT, the Engie Group subsidiary, said: “Pau’s choice of hydrogen as a zero-emission solution for a BHNS line is a tremendous boost to the energy transition of fuels. Communities are fully aware of environmental issues related to transportation and in particular the mobility of people. Pau has distinguished itself by its strong choice and the innovative character of this BHNS zero emissions line. This project demonstrates the technical and-economic feasibility of green mobility combining improvement of quality of life in urban areas with the high level of service expected from public transport.”
Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power plc commented: “We are looking forward to supporting GNVERT, VanHool and the City of Pau in this important hydrogen bus project. The hydrogen bus market is growing rapidly and it is a great pleasure to be working with such an important group of leaders on this major step forward in France.”
Notes:
[1] SMTU-PPP : Syndicat Mixte de Transports Urbains – Pau Portes des Pyrénées
[2] STAP : Société de Transport de l’Agglomération Paloise
