'Uncertain demand' | Canadian city quietly shelves plans for hydrogen refuelling station
Edmonton also rejects request from local transit authority for US$47m splurge on 40 H2 buses
The Canadian city of Edmonton has shelved plans to contract out the construction of a hydrogen refuelling station, it emerged yesterday (Tuesday), with officials citing uncertain demand for the fuel in the short term.
Stay ahead on hydrogen with our free newsletter
“Projected demands fluctuate and guaranteeing a minimum demand is difficult at this time. Construction of a permanent fuelling station will need to be well-timed to provide maximum value for industry and the city of Edmonton.”
The city intends to relaunch the RFP, but only when “there is greater clarity and consistent demand for high volumes of hydrogen fuel” in the area.
It is not clear what data the city was using to forecast demand or how it perceives it changing, however the RFP was launched in April 2023 promising to “create demand” for hydrogen use in heavy-duty transport applications.
The city also plans to retrofit two existing diesel buses with hydrogen fuel cell technology, while Edmonton’s regional airport also bought 100 hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles — Toyota Mirai models — for use in its ground operations.
However, the city of Edmonton recently rejected a request by ETS to buy 40 hydrogen fuel cell buses for around C$64m (US$47m), opting to sanction the purchase of 20 diesel models instead.
At least some of officials’ anxiety about investing in new technology appears to be related to the poor performance of the city’s 60 battery-electric buses, half of which are reportedly out of service due to technical issues.
“Any new technology we embrace — I’m excited about hydrogen, but we also need to proceed with caution.”
The city of Edmonton is currently suing the manufacturer of the battery-electric models, Proterra, for C$82m for alleged breaches of contract and negligence. Proterra filed for bankruptcy last summer and has since been sold to another electric vehicle company, Phoenix Motor.
(Copyright)