Hy2Market - Development and testing of mobility solutions in real life context
About this good practice
The project addresses the need for reducing CO2 emissions, in the context of the transition to neutrality until 2050. In Médio Tejo region, transports are responsible for 38% of GEE, being the biggest contributor to all emissions.
Hy2Market project envisioned creating a green hydrogen market in Europe by boosting its production, transport and use. For that purpose, a hydrogen bus circulated in Medio Tejo region. To implement this pilot a portable Hydrogen Refuelling System was also implemented.
After the closing of Pego Power Plant in 2021, the region committed with transition from an economic model based on fossil fuels to a circular and carbon neutral society, having been stated in the creation of the HyTagus Valley, to promote a hydrogen value chain.
Hy2Market was co funded by the EU, part of Horizon Europe with an overall budget of 14 277 577,96€ (EU contribution of 9 993 855,05€).
The bus travelled an average of 200 Km/day. Different routes were selected namely related to students’ transportation as young people are really crucial in spreading the word, thus contributing to awareness raising.
Over its 9 months the hydrogen bus ran 30.769 km, used 2095 Kg/hydrogen, resulting on saving 10769 lts of Diesel fuel and 41883 Kg of GEE.
It involved Intermunicipal Community of Médio Tejo, its 11 municipalities, Caetano Bus, Rodoviária Tejo and general population. National and local media were involved in the presentation of the project, as well as firefighters and police.
Resources needed
The budget used in this practice was 176 686€, this comprises the rental of the bus, the HRS and the hydrogen used in the operation.
Evidence of success
In 9 months, Hydrogen Bus travelled for 30.769 Km, used 2095 Kg of hydrogen, avoided the consumption of 10769 lts of Diesel fuel and saved 41883 Kg of GEE.
Given the high positive feedback the transport operator decided to apply to national decarbonization funds on public transport to purchase 3 hydrogen Buses. Inaugural trips provided presented the bus to politicians, local media and general population. HRS disseminated knowledge about the project and its technology.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Hy2Market project values sharing knowledge, so, all the insights, learnings and data are shared with all the partners involved. As part of the project, a business model is being prepared and also a report with all the activity related to the bus activity.
All information about this action and its results will be made available.
One important thing about the project is to show stakeholders that the technology is safe and economically viable. This pilot action plays a very important role in this context as it is a real life experience.