Halifax launching dual-fuel hydrogen bus project this year

Halifax is taking a step towards greener transportation by converting four city buses to run on a combination of hydrogen and diesel fuel. This pilot project, approved by the Regional council, aims to determine whether this dual-fuel technology could be a viable option for expanding the city’s transit fleet.

The funding for this initiative totals approximately $490,000, with the city contributing $122,500 and the remaining $367,500 coming from the province’s Clean Fuels Fund. While other cities in Canada have been exploring hydrogen fuel for their vehicles and buses, Halifax is opting for a more cost-effective approach by utilizing a dual-fuel system instead of pure hydrogen fuel cell buses, which can be significantly more expensive.

Norman Hendry, the fleet director of Halifax Transit, highlighted the potential environmental benefits of the hydrogen-diesel buses, citing a significant reduction in carbon emissions and diesel consumption. The dual-fuel system involves injecting hydrogen into the diesel, requiring no modifications to the bus engine.

The pilot project is expected to eliminate the daily consumption of approximately 160 litres of diesel fuel per bus, totaling 58,400 litres over the course of a year. This initiative comes on the heels of Halifax’s recent investment in 60 electric buses and the upgrade of the Ragged Lake bus depot to accommodate these new vehicles.

Despite the successful integration of electric buses into the fleet, Halifax recognizes the need for alternative technologies to meet the demands of public transit. Hendry emphasized that electric buses have limitations in terms of range and operational capabilities compared to traditional diesel buses.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the dual-fuel system offers operational advantages such as extended engine life and reduced maintenance requirements. As the pilot program progresses, Halifax will determine whether to produce hydrogen locally or import it, with plans to involve Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency in developing safety protocols for handling hydrogen.

The insights gained from this initiative will be shared with private industry and community groups, serving as a model for other transit operators in Nova Scotia. This project aligns with the provincial government’s goal of fostering a green hydrogen industry, as evidenced by the funding of seven hydrogen projects totaling $3 million.

The dual-fuel bus project not only contributes to Halifax’s sustainability goals but also serves as a valuable learning opportunity for transportation agencies and regional planning initiatives. By embracing innovative technologies and collaborating with stakeholders, Halifax is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient public transit system.