Low Carbon Future Award
This award recognises emissions reduction initiatives carried out by the New Zealand energy sector. We want to hear about initiatives large and small that contribute to reducing or avoiding emissions of carbon dioxide and/or other greenhouse gases.
Sponsored by
Auckland Transport
Hydrogen fuel cell bus
finalist
Low Carbon Future Award
New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards 2022
As Auckland Transport moved to transition its bus fleet to zero emissions it identified a need for an alternative low-emission technology to complement its choice of battery electric buses. It decided on hydrogen fuel cell technology.
A two-year trial involving Australasia's first ever hydrogen fuel cell bus began in April 2021 and quickly moved to full passenger service use on a high-frequency route. Early data indicate a 10,373 tonne reduction in emissions is likely once the technology is adopted on the 12 per cent of bus services unsuitable for battery electric buses.