CIMC-HEXAGON, a joint-venture company of CIMC Enric and Hexagon Purus producing hydrogen cylinder and systems solutions for mobility applications in China and Southeast Asia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hong Kong-based bus operator Bravo Transport Services (Bravo), which serves more than 1 million passenger trips each day in Hong Kong with its fleet of more than 1,700 transit buses, the majority of which are double decker buses.
The initial scope of the MoU is for CIMC-HEXAGON to provide a Type 4 hydrogen storage cylinder system for the first fuel-cell double decker bus in Hong Kong with scheduled delivery in July 2022. In parallel, and subject to relevant approval from local authorities, Bravo and CIMC-HEXAGON will work together to develop more hydrogen fuel cell double decker buses for trial in Hong Kong.
Beyond the initial phase, Bravo and CIMC-HEXAGON intend to continue working together to develop safe and high-performance Type 4 hydrogen storage cylinder systems to support the substitution of Bravo’s existing fleet of double decker buses with zero-emission solutions to support Hong Kong Government’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
“We believe that hydrogen fuel cell technology is a viable alternative for Hong Kong’s operating environment. We are excited to hear about the government’s plan to test hydrogen bus technology and we believe that we are well-positioned to assist in this project given our previous international operating experience of this technology and our new partnership”, a spokesperson for Bravo Transport said.
“The agreement with Bravo to develop hydrogen fuel systems represents an important milestone for CIMC-HEXAGON and confirms our globally leading position as supplier of Type 4 hydrogen storage cylinder systems for transit buses”, said Urs Laeuppi, CEO Hexagon Purus China & Southeast Asia and CIMC-Hexagon Hydrogen Energy Technologies Ltd. “We see an increasing demand for hydrogen fuel-cell transit buses in Asia, and we are excited to collaborate with Bravo to support the rollout of zero-emission transit double decker buses in Hong Kong”.
“Large fleet customers require solutions from the distribution and filling systems for hydrogen to safe, efficient and economic storage of this emission-free fuel for on road vehicles, trains and marine vessels” commented Beverly Yang, General Manager of CIMC Hydrogen & Deputy General Manager of CIMC Enric. “Our JV CIMC-HEXAGON in cooperation with CIMC Hydrogen are in the unique position to provide the full solution.”
Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 sets out the vision of “Zero-Carbon Emission – Liveable City – Sustainable Development” and outlines the strategies and targets for combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality with hydrogen playing a pivotal role in that transition.
Source: Hexagon Group
