Two hydrogen buses and hybrid-diesel railcars are set to start two-year long trials across deployed routes in Adelaide later this month, showcasing a clean and green public transport future.
The first hydrogen bus has arrived in Adelaide and operator Torrens Transit will begin internal testing in collaboration with Foton Mobility, BOC and H2H Energy on the two Foton Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses from the depot in Morphettville before they are released for operation.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses (HFCB) are a rapidly emerging, green alternative technology with benefits including faster refuelling and greater range as well as enhanced comfort for passengers with more space, better comfort and accessibility whilst eliminating noise and fuel-based pollution.
Kelsian Group CEO, Clint Feurerherdt, said that through the HFCB’s, people will be able to access more convenient and reliable transportation services.
“Getting more people on public transport is one of the most effective solutions to reducing emissions.
“We proudly focus on getting more people onboard with reliable and convenient services, and adding green technology further enhances the outcomes,” Mr Feurerherdt said.
Hydrogen fuel carries significantly more energy than the equivalent weight of batteries, which is notably important due to the State Government currently evaluating future technology options.
A further five full-battery electric buses are on order, pending on the results of the bus trial.
The South Australian Government has also said another project, the initial testing of a prototype hybrid-diesel railcar, is progressing well. A second railcar has also been fitted with the new Energy Storage and Recovery System.
The two-car train set is the first of 44 diesel rails cars that are expected to be fitted with the hybrid system, with the trains to run on the Outer Harbour, Grange and Belair lines.
State Minister for South Australia, Tom Koutsantonis, said that the hybrid train system will not offer environmental benefits, but better customer experience as well.
“As well as significantly reducing fuel use and environmental impact, this new hybrid train system offers a better customer experience – particularly at Adelaide Railway Station – where the train engine can remain off, reducing noise and pollution for those on board and in the station.”
“This rail trial complements our commitment to embrace hybrid and fully electric solutions on Adelaide’s bus fleet, with South Australia’s first full battery electric bus already being tested, and 24 electric hybrid buses already in operation,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
The new diesel rail system will work by storing kinetic energy when the train brakes into an onboard battery, converting it into electrical energy which will power normal train operations. This will help to decrease the amount of stress on the engine and fuel consumptions by approximately 16 per cent.
The first train is expected to be introduced into passenger service in the coming weeks and once the system is fully installed, Adelaide Metro will save an estimated 2,400t of CO² emissions annually.
Installation of the Energy Storage and Recovery System on the remaining trains will be progressively rolled out, with all trains expected to be in passenger service with the new system by mid-2024.
