FRV and Vectalia set an alliance for a green hydrogen powered urban transport system
• FRV and Vectalia actively contribute to transport decarbonization, promoting the first project that addresses the use of green hydrogen on a large scale in the field of urban mobility.
• The project has already been presented to the Ministries of Ecological Transition; Industry and Science and Innovation and is positioned as a strong candidate for funding from the Next Generation EU Funds.
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy and one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies with experience in five continents, and the Alicante mobility company Vectalia have signed an agreement for the integration of green hydrogen as a fuel for part of the buses that provide the public transport service in the province of Alicante. The project, which seeks funding from the Next Generation EU Funds, is the first to address the large-scale use of green hydrogen as a fuel for transport decarbonization strategy.
The project, presented to the Ministries of Ecological Transition, Industry and Science and Innovation and positioning as a strong candidate for funding from the Next Generation EU Funds, contemplates the construction of a 10 MW hydrolysis plant powered by a photovoltaic plant and a hydrogen plant that will allow the refueling of about 80 buses, planned in the first phase. Thanks to the technology that drives mobility with this clean fuel, the buses will have a range of 400 km and will cover interurban routes between Alicante and nearby municipalities, avoiding the emission of more than 75 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere in the initial phase alone.
To celebrate this pioneering initiative, both companies organized an event on the campus of the University of Alicante (UA) which was attended by the Rector of the University, Amparo Navarro, and the Regional Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility of the Valencian Community, Arcadi España. The event was also attended by a large number of mayors and mobility councilors from various municipalities in Alicante, representatives of other companies and university professors and experts.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to make the first trip of the entire Comunidad Valenciana with one of the buses powered by green hydrogen; the H2.City Gold model of CaetanoBus, the largest bus manufacturer in Portugal, which has had the courtesy to offer the vehicle for the occasion. The bus, framed within the alliance of FRV and Vectalia, has completed a symbolic tour within the perimeter of the campus of the University of Alicante.
The vehicle has a 180 kW Siemens electric motor, a 60 kW Toyota fuel cell, a range of 400 kilometers and a recharging capacity of less than 9 minutes. The zero-emission bus generates only ultrapure water as waste and is very quiet. The H2.City Gold offers its passengers a higher level of comfort and accessibility. The batteries, hydrogen tanks and fuel cell are located on the roof to optimize interior space, making it more spacious, with a capacity of 62 passengers.
At the presentation ceremony, Arcadi España, Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, highlighted:
Amparo Navarro, Rector of the University of Alicante, said:
“The University of Alicante is extremely proud to be able to host an event with such an important symbolic meaning for our Autonomous Community. The alliance between FRV and Vectalia for the integration of green hydrogen in public transport puts us before a reality in sustainable mobility that seemed a utopia only a few years ago and that, thanks to research, development and commitment to clean technologies, allows us today to look with hope to the future of mobility”.
Amparo NavarroRector of the University of Alicante
Felipe Hernández, Engineering Director at FRV-X, pointed out that:
“With this project, together with Vectalia, we have the opportunity to combine the production of green hydrogen with the existing demand, which, we trust, will gradually expand in the coming years to continue on the path of the much needed energy transition that, from FRV, we have the ambition to lead globally”.Felipe HernándezEngineering Director at FRV-X
Rubén Darío Urrestarazu, Director of Innovation and Projects of Vectalia, wanted to emphasize:
“The open and inclusive” nature of the agreement between FRV and Vectalia; a collaborative project that seeks to “incorporate new strategic alliances with organizations at the forefront of the value chain of green H2, from generation and production to end uses”. In fact, the initiative has letters of support from the rectors of the two universities, the Regional Ministries of Mobility and Innovation, the Alicante City Council, the Port Authority, the Technological Institute of Energy, as well as several companies such as the shipping companies Baleària and Boluda.Rubén Darío UrrestarazuDirector of Innovation and Projects of Vectalia
Cities play a key role in the fight against the impact of last century’s energy choices. CaetanoBus wants to support cities in this process of improving urban transport and ensuring a better future for urban populations. Therefore, being part of the first project in Spain that implements the use of green hydrogen on a large scale in the field of public transport is a great opportunity to show our support to Alicante and help build the future of the region.
“We are very proud to have our H2.CityGold as the first hydrogen bus that is part of this amazing project. This is our best contribution to a future of green mobility solutions, where we all want to live!”Kohei UmenoCommercial Director of CaetanoBus
