Saudi launches trial run of hydrogen-powered buses for first time
Saudi Arabia has launched the trial of their first hydrogen-powered buses.
Al-Ahsa Governor Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr on 5 December inaugurated the trial, reports the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The bus boasts the ability to travel up to 635 kilometers on a single charge and has a capacity of 45 passengers. It will connect the city of Dammam with Al-Ahsa Governorate, covering a total distance of 359 kilometers daily as part of intercity transportation services operated by SATCO, a licensed company in the southern concession area.
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The event was attended by the Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA) Dr Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.
During the inauguration ceremony, Al-Ahsa Governor watched an introductory video explaining the operation of hydrogen buses, the fueling process, their safety standards, and their contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
Prince Saud emphasized that the launch in Al-Ahsa of the first hydrogen-powered bus in the Kingdom is a significant step towards achieving Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on environmental sustainability and promoting eco-friendly technologies. He expressed his delight that Al-Ahsa is the starting point for these pioneering initiatives that contribute to improving quality of life and providing modern, safe, and innovative transportation services for the residents and visitors of Al-Ahsa.
The TGA explained that the bus trial is a partnership between government entities and the private sector, represented by Al-Majdouie-Hyundai, the supplier of the hydrogen-powered bus; Saudi Aramco and Air Products, the operators and supervisors of the hydrogen fueling station; and Abdullah Hashim Company, the suppliers of hydrogen gas through specialised and suitable tankers, reports SPA.
The inauguration is part of a series of innovative projects and modern technologies launched by the TGA to develop transportation services in the Kingdom. Previously, the authority issued the first operational license for a hydrogen-powered train to the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) and launched the first public hydrogen-powered taxi in Jeddah. Today's launch of the first hydrogen-powered bus in Al-Ahsa adds to the authority's efforts to support sustainability in the transportation sector, aligning with Saudi Arabia's pioneering environmental initiatives, most notably the Saudi Green Initiative.
