AUSTRIA
Energy solution provider Fronius is using its Solhub technology to power a two-week trial of a hydrogen-powered bus in Wels, Upper Austria, using green hydrogen generated using solar power.
The trial of the Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen was launched in the presence of local political and business representatives. It will be refuelled at the Fronius research and development site in Thalheim in Wels, using approximately 13kg of hydrogen produced from solar energy. Fuelling takes around 15 minutes, with the bus travelling at least 160km per day, well within the Urbino’s claimed 350km range. “The best part is that heat and water vapour are the only products of the chemical reaction in the fuel cell, which acts as a miniature power plant. Fuelling with hydrogen is quick, convenient and barely any different to fuelling a diesel vehicle,” said 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 fuelling 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,” explained Martin Hackl, Global Director of the Business Unit Solar Energy at Fronius International GmbH.
Fronius said the focus during the test run 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,” said Thomas Rührlinger, Business Development Hydrogen Solutions Manager at Fronius.
“The greatest challenge here is the availability of green hydrogen. The Fronius Solhub solves this problem by generating green hydrogen from solar energy directly on site,” explained Martin. The Solhub is a modular range of solutions for energy sector integration and renewable energy storage. “We anticipate numerous additional implementations in the coming years for customers from commercial enterprises and manufacturing companies, municipalities and public-transport operators, logistics and tourism sectors, operators of special vehicles and renewable energy communities,” added Thomas.
