Queensland bus operator to convert 120-strong bus fleet to green hydrogen

Queensland private passenger transport operator Emerald Coaches has announced plans to convert its entire fleet of 120 buses to hydrogen fuel cell electric buses by 2040 and starting next year.

Emerald Coaches, which operates private passenger buses for schools, charters, and mining and resource employee transport, said the $100 million e-Mission zero project will begin introducing hydrogen fuel cell electric buses into its fleet, from 2022.

The company also produce its own green hydrogen using rainwater captured onsite paired with a renewable powered electrolyser.

Emerald Coaches’ diesel-powered vehicles currently use over 1 million litres of fuel every year and produce 3,100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and the conversion to a 100% zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell fleet of buses will cut emissions to zero by 2040.

“Australia’s transport industry is one of the most energy intensive in the world,” said Emerald Coaches Director, Michael Baulch

“We believe renewable hydrogen is the future of the transport industry. It’s a natural gas that is extracted from water making it a completely clean and sustainable fuel source. The only thing to come out of the exhaust is water.”

The first two hydrogen electric buses will be introduced in 2022, and the entire fleet of around 120 buses will be powered by hydrogen fuel cell electricity by 2040.

Emerald Coaches, the largest provider of school bus services in Queensland’s Central Highlands region, expects to complete over 1 million passenger trips each year on hydrogen powered buses starting by the end of 2022.

Mark Bailey, Queensland minister for transport and main roads, said the announcement is an example of how the private sector can play an important role in seriously addressing the impact of climate change.

“We look forward to working with Emerald Coaches to support them in delivering their zero-emission strategy,” he said.

Emerald Coaches will also implement other energy efficiency measures which will ensure they are using 100% renewable electricity and water in their facilities by 2025. Specifically, Emerald Coaches will be using 100% renewable power, recycling and rainwater systems, a paperless office system, and water efficient water mobile vehicle washing units.