A Sydney event has showcased Australia’s first-ever fleet of hydrogen powered and battery-electric buses, developed in a partnership between Origin Energy and the Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC).
Visitors to this year’s Australasia Bus and Coach Expo were able to see first-hand some of Australia’s first hydrogen-powered fuel-cell buses and battery-electric buses, thanks to the ARCC and Origin Energy.
The Sydney bus manufacturer and the energy company have been working together to develop and power the zero emissions buses, to support Australia’s aim to be net zero emissions by 2050.
Origin’s General Manager for Future Fuels, Ryan Willemsen-Bell, said that the new technology offered benefits beyond its climate credentials.
“New technologies are crucial for the mass transit revolution, with battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles promising options for decarbonising passenger transport,” Mr Willemsen-Bell said.
“Compared to diesel buses, both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses offer the advantages of low pollution, noise reduction and use of renewable energies.
“We’re keen to support the development of cleaner fuels and technologies that can enable decarbonisation across the economy, consistent with our strategy and ambition to lead the energy transition.”
Managing Director of ARCC, Peter Murley, said the company was committed to achieving sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
“As an Australian-owned business, we are committed to a sustainable, zero-emission transport future,” Mr Murley said.
“Our focus is on helping governments reach zero-emission targets with turnkey transport options that are 100 per cent Australian designed, built and supported.
“We understand some people are sceptical about the potential for conversion to battery-electric or hydrogen. This expo offers a great opportunity for people to see these vehicles up close and have their questions answered by our experts,” Mr Murley said.
Hydrogen-powered buses work by converting hydrogen molecules into energy in a fuel cell which powers an electric motor. Battery-electric buses draw electricity from a power source and store it in batteries that can be recharged once the electricity has been used up.
Origin is assessing the potential of a Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub which could use produced hydrogen to fuel bus operations in the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Greater Sydney regions.
Feature Image: ARCC Managing Director, Peter Murley, behind the wheel of the Hydrogen Bus at the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo. Photo: Origin Energy.
