Hydrogen fuel cell buses arrive in Perth as part of global trial

18/8/04
Two of three state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell buses have arrived in Perth as part of a two-year international trial of the clean, green technology.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan inspected the buses being tested this morning at PathTransit's Malaga depot.
Perth is the only southern hemisphere city to participate, joining Stuttgart, Hamburg, Luxemburg, Stockholm, London, Porto, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rekyavik and Madrid in the trial.
Ms MacTiernan said the project was part of the Gallop Government's commitment to reduce the State's oil dependence and deliver a green public transport system.
"Hydrogen is seen as a highly prospective energy source for transport and static power," she said.
"But like any new revolutionary technology, developing to a commercially feasible stage requires pioneering support.
"The State Government will play a key role in trialling the potential of this technology by running these buses on the streets of Perth for the next two years."
Hydrogen fuel cell buses:

• produce no greenhouse gases;

• produce no smog-creating emissions;

• are quieter than conventional vehicles;

• are more efficient than internal combustion engines; and

• are predicted to be cheaper in the long-term to maintain and operate than internal combustion engines.

The DaimlerChrysler Citaro buses used for the trial run on hydrogen gas - the hydrogen is converted to electricity using Ballard fuel cell engines.
Fuel cells create continuous power as hydrogen is passed through a membrane in a carbon 'sandwich' and mixes with oxygen. The result is electricity, which is used to power an electric motor. The only emission through the tailpipe is water vapour.
The hydrogen is currently extracted from crude oil, sourced from project partner BP's Kwinana refinery - although experiments are proceeding to produce it via renewable energy sources.
The State Government is investing almost $8million into the project.
After their official launch next month, to coincide with an international hydrogen and fuel cell conference and tradeshow in Perth, the buses will run on normal Transperth service routes, including the city's central business district.
The performance of the buses will be independently assessed by Murdoch University.
Minister's Office - 9213 6400