Ballard gets hydrogen bus order for Poland

Ballard Power Systems has announced a purchase order from repeat customer Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o., a European bus manufacturer, for 25 hydrogen fuel cell engines.

Ballard is supplying the fuel cells for 25 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses that will be operated in Poland. (Photo: Solaris Bus & Coach)

The 70 kW fuel cells will be installed in Solaris’ Urbino 12 hydrogen buses for deployment to Polish public transport operator MPK Poznań and are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2023.

The buses are to be partially funded by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management’s Green Public Transport program. MPK Poznań requires 30% of its fleet to be zero-emission by 2028. The 25 hydrogen fuel cell buses will increase its zero-emission fleet from 18% to 25%.

“Poznań is investing in clean technologies, in innovation, and in the future,” said Solaris CEO Javier Calleja. “This huge order puts the carrier among the most modern public transport operators in Europe, those that are focused first and foremost on clean air in cities and improving the quality of life for the next generation of their residents.

“The hydrogen Urbino 12 hydrogen emits only water vapor. Soon, the advantages and comfort of traveling by hydrogen Solaris will be available to Poznan residents.”

“We are excited for the opportunity to continue to support Solaris in providing zero-emission hydrogen solutions for its customers,” said David Mucciacciaro, Ballard chief commercial officer. “We are seeing increased demand for hydrogen fuel cell buses in Europe, expanding across central and eastern Europe, and look forward to continued collaboration with Solaris to meet this growing demand.”