Tasmanians are now travelling on brand-new hydrogen-powered buses, thanks to H2H Energy’s groundbreaking hydrogen refuelling technology.
The buses are part of the Tasmanian Government’s Hydrogen Electric Bus (HEB) trial, which runs on locally made green hydrogen and uses H2H Energy’s H2CORE refuelling system. Metro Tasmania has reported strong early results from the program, proving the technology’s potential for cleaner, more sustainable public transport.
How the H2CORE works
Built in Australia, the H2CORE delivers either 35 or 70 MPa hydrogen dispensing from a 40ft high-cube shipping container. It offers flexible hydrogen storage and can be fed from either a tube trailer or an electrolyser. This flexibility makes it a game-changer for bus operators, reducing the infrastructure hurdles that have slowed fleet transitions in the past.
In Hobart, the refueller has already proven itself. It’s fast, reliable, and capable of frequent, high-volume refuelling. It currently supports three busy public buses that are refuelled daily.
Why Tasmania is leading the charge
Around Australia, governments are moving from diesel buses to low or zero-emissions options. Tasmania’s abundant hydro and wind resources mean it can produce green hydrogen at scale and use it to cut transport emissions.
The HEB trial is also comparing battery electric buses (BEVs) and fuel cell electric buses (FCEVs) under Australian conditions. The data gathered will help governments and operators make informed decisions about future fleet investments.
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Cranston Polson, CEO and Founder of H2H Energy, and a proud Tasmanian, is excited about what the trial means for the state’s future.
“Seeing the H2CORE actually on the ground in Hobart, refuelling buses that are getting Tasmanians to work, school or home safely and reliably is a big step forward. Tasmania’s unique combination of hydro and wind resources gives us the ability to produce some of the cleanest hydrogen in the world, and this trial shows how we can put it to work right here in our own communities.”
He added:
“As Tasmania and other parts of the country look to green their public transport fleets, they can deploy this Australian-made technology to make that switch quickly and effectively.”
Metro Tasmania also sees value in the homegrown approach.
“Partnering with a local technology provider in H2H Energy and using locally made Tasmanian hydrogen to run the HEB trial will yield valuable data. We are pleased this trial can benefit our public transport system and grow local industries at the same time.”
Building momentum across Australia
This is just one of several projects H2H Energy is working on nationwide. As more light and heavy vehicle fleets make the move to zero emissions, demand for Australian-made hydrogen refuelling solutions is on the rise.
The early results from the Hobart trial show that with the right technology, Australia can deliver cleaner, more efficient public transport – powered by local expertise and clean energy.
