This article and its contents were written and correct as of December 2022.

In NSW, hydrogen and battery electric buses are being developed to be rolled out in the state’s public transport network — a major step towards establishing a renewable hydrogen transport industry in the state. And Origin’s been a part of this transformation, working with Sydney bus manufacturer Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC) and New South Wales operator Red Bus Services to accelerate the net zero transition of Australia’s public transport system.

How do hydrogen buses work?

Hydrogen-powered buses work by converting hydrogen molecules into energy in a fuel cell which powers an electric motor. Battery-electric buses draw electricity from a power source, like a charging station, and store it in batteries that can be recharged once the electricity has been used. 

In 2022, ARCC, with support from Origin, unveiled its hydrogen-powered public transport city bus – one of the first of its kind in Australia – at the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo in Sydney.

General Manager for Future Fuels at Origin, Ryan Willemsen-Bell said, “New technologies are crucial for the mass transit revolution, with battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles promising options for decarbonising passenger transport”. Compared to diesel buses, both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses offer the advantages of low pollution, noise reduction and use of renewable energies. 

“We’re keen to support the development of cleaner fuels and technologies that can enable decarbonisation across the economy, consistent with our strategy and ambition to lead the energy transition.” 

– Ryan Willemsen-Bell, GM Future Fuels.

Managing Director for ARCC, Peter Murley, says “As an Australian-owned business, ARCC is committed to a sustainable, zero-emission transport future. Our focus is on helping governments reach zero-emission targets with turnkey transport options that are 100 per cent Australian designed, built and supported. The Australasia Bus and Coach Expo provided a great opportunity for people to see these vehicles up close and have any questions answered by our experts”.

What’s next?

We’re assessing the potential of a Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub which could use produced hydrogen to fuel bus operations in the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Greater Sydney regions.  

In addition to powering buses, our drive towards greener transportation solutions at Origin includes a range of new electric transport services. Electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, a fully managed EV fleet and electric car share access for people to drive an EV right from their apartment or office building are just some of the services we currently offer.

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