Tasmania maps out hydrogen-powered bus fleet and fuelling

Tasmania has launched its first hydrogen-powered public transport initiative with three fuel cell buses now operating across Hobart’s Metro network, powered by locally produced green hydrogen as part of the state’s push toward net-zero emissions by 2030.

The hydrogen electric buses (HEB), manufactured by Foton with fuel-cell systems developed by SinoHytec and Toyota, form part of Tasmania’s Zero Emission Bus trial – the first public transport initiative in the state powered by locally produced green hydrogen.

The buses use electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells, producing only water vapour as a byproduct, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel-powered fleets.

Australian company H2H Energy, based in Tasmania, provides the trial’s H2CORE hydrogen refuelling system. Housed in a 40-foot shipping container, the H2CORE unit delivers hydrogen at either 35 or 70 megapascals – standard pressures equal to about 5000 and 10,000 psi respectively.

Buses typically use 35MPa, while passenger cars require 70MPa due to their smaller tanks needing higher pressure to store sufficient hydrogen for a practical driving range. The hydrogen can be supplied via tube trailer with pre-compressed hydrogen or an electrolyser producing hydrogen on-site.

Already operational in Hobart, the H2CORE has proven fast, reliable and efficient in handling high-volume refuelling for the trial buses, with Metro Tasmania praising its flexibility and performance.

“Partnering with a local technology provider in H2H Energy and using locally made Tasmanian hydrogen to run the HEB trial will yield valuable data,” said a Metro Tasmania spokesperson.

“We are pleased this trial can benefit our public transport system and grow local industries at the same time.”

The Hobart hydrogen trial runs parallel to a battery electric bus trial in Launceston, both part of the state’s broader Zero Emission Bus initiative. This dual approach allows comparisons between battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric buses in real-world conditions, with data supporting future fleet decisions and emission reduction strategies.

The HEB trial’s success has highlighted hydrogen fuel cells’ potential to drive cleaner public transport, with Metro Tasmania keen to collect more data, particularly regarding Tasmania’s unique climate and terrain, to inform future fleet investments.

Tasmania’s key advantage in this transition is its ability to produce green hydrogen – created using 100 per cent renewable energy sources including the state’s abundant hydro, wind and solar generation.

This enables buses to run on truly emissions-free electricity, unlike electric buses in regions powered by fossil fuel-based electricity. Tasmania is one of few places globally with the potential for 100 per cent renewable energy self-sufficiency.

The trial forms part of the Tasmanian government’s wider vision for the state to become a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen, with the aim of positioning the island state at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy while reducing local emissions.

The HEB trial represents one of several H2H Energy initiatives driven by growing demand for Australian-made hydrogen refuelling systems. As more vehicle fleets transition to zero-emission technology, the company’s expertise in providing efficient, high-volume refuelling is attracting nationwide interest.

“Seeing the H2CORE refuelling buses in Hobart, transporting Tasmanians safely, is a major step forward,” said H2H Energy chief executive officer and founder Cranston Polson.

“Tasmania’s combination of hydro and wind resources allows us to produce some of the cleanest hydrogen in the world, and this trial shows how we can use it locally.

“As Tasmania and other regions green their public transport fleets, they can quickly deploy this Australian-made technology to make the transition.”

The trial is a collaboration between the Tasmanian government and project partners including the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre and Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD).

“We are extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with Metro Tasmania in relation to this trial,” said FMD CEO Neil Wang.

“FMD brings over 12 years of hydrogen vehicle experience to the table, including technical and operational data, along with safety and skills training in the safe operation and maintenance of the vehicles.”