Saudi Arabia begins experimental testing of hydrogen-powered buses
On December 5, Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, the Governor of Al-Ahsa, opened the trial.
The bus, which can travel up to 635 kilometers on a single charge, can carry 45 passengers. It will connect Dammam to Al-Ahsa Governorate, covering 359 kilometers daily as part of the intercity transport service operated by SATCO in the southern concession area.
Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Acting Chairman of the Transport General Authority, attended the event.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Governor of Al-Ahsa presented a video that explained how hydrogen buses operate, how they are fueled, their safety standards, and their role in lowering carbon emissions.
Prince Saud highlighted that the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first hydrogen-powered bus in Al-Ahsa is a significant move toward fulfilling Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on environmental sustainability and eco-friendly technologies. He was pleased that Al-Ahsa is the starting point for initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and offering modern, safe, and innovative transportation services for residents and visitors.The Therapeutic Goods Administration (Therapeutic Goods Administration– TGA) stated that the bus trial is a collaboration between government agencies and Al-Mazdui-Hyundai, which provides hydrogen-powered buses.
Saudi Aramco and Air Products run hydrogen fueling stations, while Abdullah Hashim Company delivers hydrogen gas with specialized tankers to enhance transportation services in the kingdom. The authority granted the first operational licence for a hydrogen-powered train to the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) and introduced the first public hydrogen-powered taxi in Jeddah.
The launch of Al-Ahsa’s first hydrogen-powered bus boosts sustainability efforts in transportation and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s environmental initiatives, especially the Saudi Green Initiative.
Courtesy: ”The Business Standard”
