Summary
- British Columbia has a history of failed hydrogen transportation, including trials with hydrogen buses in Whistler during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
- Companies in BC, such as Ballard Power and HTEC, have been receiving governmental funding for hydrogen-related projects, including refueling stations and hydrogen drayage trucks.
- Westport Fuel Systems and Greenlight Innovation have also received funding for hydrogen projects, despite concerns about the efficiency and costs of hydrogen technology.
- CUTRIC, a transit decarbonization think tank, has been heavily funded by the government and has been pushing for the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell buses, despite potential conflicts of interest.
- TransLink, a transit authority in BC, received funding from CUTRIC to conduct a study on zero-emission technologies, but there are concerns about the accuracy and bias of the study towards hydrogen buses.
Article
CleanTechnica provides daily news updates on clean energy and technology via email or Google News. British Columbia, Canada has a history of experimenting with hydrogen for transportation, with mixed results. Companies like Ballard Power manufacture fuel cells, while HTEC operates hydrogen refueling stations. Despite receiving government funding, these initiatives have faced challenges, such as the high cost of hydrogen production and refueling problems.
Westport Fuel Systems has also invested in hydrogen internal combustion engines, which are less efficient than fuel cells. Greenlight Innovation focuses on hydrogen fuel cell testing equipment, while Powertech Labs designs hydrogen fueling stations. Despite the province’s knowledge of Ballard’s financial struggles, it continues to invest in hydrogen, raising concerns about the efficacy of these initiatives in the long run.
CUTRIC, a transit decarbonization think tank, receives government funding to explore zero-emission technologies for public transit. TransLink, the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority, oversees the region’s transportation network and has been proactive in electrifying its fleet. However, recent funding for a study on zero-emission technologies raises concerns about the potential inclusion of hydrogen buses in TransLink’s fleet.
The Canadian government’s support for hydrogen through the Zero Emissions Transit Fund and CUTRIC’s role in promoting hydrogen buses have raised questions about conflicts of interest. Companies like Ballard Power, Enbridge, and New Flyer, which have financial incentives in promoting hydrogen, are involved in CUTRIC’s decision-making process, potentially influencing recommendations for hydrogen buses.
Transit agencies in Canada are encouraged to exercise caution when considering guidance from CUTRIC on hydrogen buses, given concerns about cost, reliability, and conflicts of interest. Alternative sources of independent analysis, like engineering consulting firms, may provide more objective insights. Ultimately, the decision to include hydrogen buses in public transit fleets should be based on comprehensive research and transparency.
To ensure transparency and accountability, stakeholders should engage with CUTRIC under strict parameters and oversight when considering hydrogen as a zero-emission technology for public transit. By reviewing actual experiences with hydrogen buses in other regions and conducting thorough cost-benefit analyses, transit agencies can make informed decisions about the future of their fleets.
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