Cleveland pursues hydrogen fuel for public transportation

Cleveland pursues hydrogen fuel for public transportation

May 18, 2012 0 By Erin Kilgore

Fuel cells are popular throughout the auto and transportation industries

Hydrogen fuel cells have becoming a key focus for the auto industry, with most major car manufacturers working to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles. Many of these companies have adopted hydrogen because it will help them comply with staunch emissions regulations coming from some of the world’s governments. Automakers are not the only ones interested in hydrogen fuel cells, however, and the energy systems have been growing in popularity throughout the transportation business. Public transportation, in particular, is beginning to grow more enthusiastic towards the alternative energy.

Transit Authority looks to gain approval for hydrogen fuel station

The Greater Cleveland Transit Authority has announced plans to pay more than $50,000 to the NASA Glenn Research Center for a new hydrogen fuel station that will find a home in East Cleveland, Ohio. The fuel station will serve a new fleet of hydrogen-powered buses that are expected to come to the city within the next year. One of the buses that will be used in the city currently operates in Connecticut. Cleveland is expected to sign a $2 million, one-year lease with the company that owns the bus to have it brought over.

Hydrogen-powered bus may find its way to Cleveland

The bus is designed to seat 57 passengers, including handicapped travelers. The hydrogen-powered bus can travel for more than 80 miles before needing to be refueled, which has made it a popular option for cities looking to embolden their public transportation system with alternative energy vehicles. Approximately 16 hydrogen-powered buses of similar design to that which will be used in Cleveland are currently operational in California.

Fuel cell station still requires approval from city officials

Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to play a bigger role in the world of public transportation in the coming years. For this to be possible, however, a comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure must first be established. Cleveland officials are looking to build a fueling station that will serve the hydrogen-powered bus, but the initiative has yet to be met with approval.

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