Abu Dhabi to Introduce Electric and Hydrogen-Powered Buses Next Month

(Representative Image)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Urban Transport News): Abu Dhabi is set to launch a fleet of electric and hydrogen-powered buses next month, marking a significant milestone in the emirate's push towards greener public transportation. This initiative, announced by Anan Alamri, section head of Alternative Sustainable Mobility at the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)-Abu Dhabi, was highlighted during ‘The Journey to Net Zero Forum’ organized by the Khaleej Times.

Key Details of the New Bus Fleet

The upcoming deployment of these zero-emission buses is part of Abu Dhabi's broader environmental strategy. According to Alamri, the goal is to convert 20% of the emirate's public transportation to green alternatives by 2030, with a target of achieving 100% environmentally friendly transit by 2050. While the exact number of buses and their routes have yet to be disclosed, Alamri confirmed that the buses will operate solely within Abu Dhabi, and fares will remain unchanged.

Environmental Impact

Electric and hydrogen-powered buses represent a significant departure from traditional fossil-fuel buses. These new vehicles are designed to minimize environmental impact, as they do not emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. Specifically, hydrogen-powered buses are notable for emitting only water vapor, further contributing to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint.

Infrastructure and Training

To support the new fleet, charging stations have already been installed at bus depots across the city. Additionally, young Emirati engineers have undergone specialized training in China and South Korea to learn the operation and maintenance of these advanced buses. This training ensures that local expertise is in place to support the successful integration of these green technologies into Abu Dhabi's public transport system.

Previous Green Initiatives

This rollout follows a notable initiative from December last year, when ITC-Abu Dhabi deployed an all-electric fleet of nine buses for COP28. These buses provided shuttle services from Terminal A of Abu Dhabi International Airport to the COP28 venue at Expo City Dubai. This deployment marked the first use of electric buses for intercity transportation between emirates, operating 24 hours a day. The operation covered 520 kilometers daily and achieved a significant reduction in carbon emissions, cutting 3.7 tonnes of CO2 per day.

Future Outlook

The introduction of electric and hydrogen-powered buses is a critical step in Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to enhance sustainable mobility and reduce environmental impact. As the emirate continues to innovate and expand its green transportation infrastructure, these new buses will play a vital role in supporting Abu Dhabi's sustainability goals and improving public transit for its residents.

Stay updated with the latest developments in Abu Dhabi’s green transportation initiatives and other news by following Urban Transport News.