Hydrogen fuel cell electric bus pilot

“ATCO recognizes there is a significant opportunity for Canada to become a supplier of clean fuels in addition to our nation’s existing energy exports,” said James Powell, Vice President, Energy Infrastructure, Clean Fuels, ATCO.  “Together with Kansai, we are eager to complete feasibility work and build consensus for this new decarbonization opportunity.”

“Our recent visit to the project sites inspired us with great confidence in future collaborations on clean fuels between Canada and Japan,” said Satoshi Fukushima, Head of Project Development Group, International Business Division, Kansai.  “Through this project, we hope to be part of a new chapter in ATCO’s over 75-year history.”

Clean hydrogen would be produced via Auto Thermal Reforming with carbon capture and sequestration in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland to develop low-carbon-intensity hydrogen or derivatives that would be transported to Canada’s West Coast before being shipped overseas to Japan.

Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) provided $4.6 million in funding towards the City and Strathcona County purchasing and testing two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.

Thanks to great collaboration among several key stakeholders, Strathcona County and the City of Edmonton are industry-leading by having the first:

• hydrogen fuel cell electric buses operating in Canada
• hydrogen maintenance facility in Alberta
• hydrogen fuelling station in Alberta – operated by Suncor.

The buses will hit the road in Edmonton and Strathcona County in 2023, after safety protocols, training and infrastructure are set up.

Key facts: hydrogen fuel cell electric bus

• Hydrogen fuel cell buses are environmentally friendly, quiet and efficient.
• The buses produce no exhaust-pipe emissions and are classed as “zero emission capable.”
• The buses will rely on Alberta’s first hydrogen vehicle fuelling station, which is a collaboration between the Alberta Motor Transport Association and Suncor.
• Hydrogen fuel cell buses have a travel range of up to 480 kilometres.
• The fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity that powers the bus.
• The byproducts of the chemical reaction are heat and water. As a result, water comes out of the exhaust pipe of the bus.
• Hydrogen fuel cell buses are quieter than current diesel buses.
• Like all transit buses, hydrogen fuel cell buses are outfitted with industry-regulated safety systems to provide a safe riding experience. Strict safety measures govern the operation and fuelling of hydrogen vehicles.

Resources:

Media contacts:

Strathcona County
info@strathcona.ca
780-410-6595

City of Edmonton
sarah.jackson@edmonton.ca

Emissions Reduction Alberta
kduncan@eralberta.ca
403-431-2859