Summary
- 21 municipalities in Poland are asking for big subsidies for hydrogen for energy
- Cities in Poland are struggling with the high costs of hydrogen buses and the lack of realistic cost calculations
- Poland’s grid electricity is high in emissions, making hydrogen production less environmentally friendly
- Transit agencies in Poland are committing to hydrogen buses with government funding, despite the lack of climate benefits
- Companies with ties to fossil fuels are lobbying for hydrogen for energy, while empirical evidence shows it is not a climate solution
Article
In Poland, 21 municipalities have sent a joint letter to the federal government requesting subsidies for hydrogen energy. Many cities in Poland have contracted for hydrogen buses without including the realistic costs of hydrogen in their calculations. The high price of hydrogen compared to diesel is causing financial difficulties for many cities, leading them to run their buses on expensive gray hydrogen. Despite claims that hydrogen is a climate change solution, it is actually a significant contributor to climate change.
Solaris, a major European bus manufacturer in Poland, is providing hydrogen buses in the country. However, they are losing out on sales of battery-electric buses due to the high costs of hydrogen buses. The strategic choice to invest in hydrogen buses instead of optimizing battery-electric buses is resulting in financial challenges and dissatisfied customers. Polsat Plus Group, in collaboration with ZE PAK, has also developed a hydrogen bus, indicating a growing interest in hydrogen as an energy carrier in Poland.
The sources of hydrogen for transit agencies in Poland are concerning. While some cities are producing hydrogen through electrolysis using renewable energy sources, issues related to temporality and additionality remain unclear. The high emissions from Poland’s grid electricity, which still relies heavily on coal, further highlight the environmental challenges associated with hydrogen production. Additionally, the operational inefficiencies of transporting hydrogen to refueling stations are leading to significant emissions.
Many Polish cities, such as Lublin, Poznań, and Wałbrzych, are relying on gray hydrogen made from natural gas for their buses. This form of hydrogen production is not environmentally friendly and involves long truck trips to deliver the fuel. Additionally, the leakage of hydrogen at various transfer points further contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Despite receiving funding from the Polish government, the deployment of hydrogen buses in these cities is not a sustainable solution.
Despite the lobbying efforts of fossil fuel companies in Poland, the national government should reconsider its support for hydrogen energy schemes. Empirical evidence suggests that hydrogen is not a viable climate solution and that resources should be focused on battery electrification instead. By diverting funding from hydrogen to battery technologies, Poland can truly accelerate its transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation. However, the influence of wealthy and powerful players in the industry may hinder progress towards a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the push for hydrogen in Poland’s transportation sector is raising concerns about financial sustainability, environmental impact, and climate change. The high costs and emissions associated with hydrogen production and distribution are undermining the potential benefits of hydrogen buses. With clearer scrutiny and a shift in focus towards battery electrification, Poland can avoid costly investments in hydrogen energy and make strides towards a more sustainable and greener future.
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