Fronius Fuels Hydrogen-Powered Bus using 100 percent Locally Produced, Green Hydrogen

Austrian energy solution expert Fronius is once again reaffirming its role as a pioneer in the supply of renewable energy, as part of a two-week trial of a hydrogen-powered bus which began in Wels (Upper Austria). During this flagship project that is unique across Europe, the bus will be fueled by Fronius Solhub using green hydrogen generated locally from solar energy.
 
The “Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen” trial was launched in the presence of numerous political and business representatives. During this trial, the hydrogen-powered bus will be used as public transport for two weeks in the city of Wels. At the Fronius site for research and development in Thalheim at Wels, it will be fueled daily with approximately 13 kg of hydrogen produced from solar energy. Fueling takes around 15 minutes, with the bus travelling at least 160 km¹ irrespective of the usage conditions. “The best part is that heat and water vapor are the only products of the chemical reaction in the fuel cell, which acts as a miniature power plant. Fueling with hydrogen is quick, convenient, and barely any different to fueling a diesel vehicle,” enthuses Anna Mejer, General Manager at Solaris Bus.
 
“We are excited to be part of this unique project. With the Solhub we are offering a complete turnkey solution that enables local, green hydrogen to be generated and used for the fueling of fuel cell vehicles. This also means we have taken another step towards our vision of 24 hours of sun. The Solhub offers enormous potential for companies and municipalities, both of which play a key role in shaping and implementing the energy supply of tomorrow,” explains Martin Hackl, Global Director of the Business Unit Solar Energy at Fronius International GmbH.
 
For Fronius, the focus during the trial is on creating awareness of the need for locally generated green hydrogen and proving its practicality. “In doing so, we are demonstrating that the technology works and is already suitable for everyday use,” says Thomas Rührlinger, Business Development Hydrogen Solutions at Fronius International GmbH.