Trials of a new double-decker hydrogen bus are taking place in Dublin, with the bus driven to simulate real-driving conditions while examining emissions and energy efficiencies.
As part of the Ireland’s Department of Transport’s low emission bus project, which saw a single-decker hydrogen fuel-cell bus tested in November, the new zero emission bus will run on a modified Dublin route.
This will be the final phase of the department’s low emission bus trial, which has previously tested a range of alternative fuel technologies including electric, hybrid and gas technologies.
The department is working with Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, BOC Gas, and consultants Byrne Ó Cleirigh to carry out the testing. The results will form part of the decision-making process to help further transition the public transport fleet to lower emitting fuels and technologies.
Minister for transport, Eamon Ryan, said: “In line with climate action targets, we are investing in alternatively fuelled vehicle technology across bus and rail with the objective of transitioning all public transport to low-zero emission fuels and technologies.
“I am delighted to welcome this trial which will provide practical insight into the operation and impact of hydrogen technology and allow us to assess it alongside other previously tested bus technologies. By examining all available technologies, we can best determine how to power our future urban bus fleets while improving sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann recently unveiled three of the new hydrogen-fuel-cell-electric double-decker buses, which are already being used on commuter services in the Greater Dublin Area.
The report on the findings of phase two of the low-emission bus trial will be published later this year.
