+1,000 fuel cell buses to be deployed in California within U.S. Department of Energy plan to establish a hydrogen hub

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the signing of a $12.6 billion agreement, including up to $1.2 billion from the DOE and $11.4 billion in public and private matching funds, to accelerate clean hydrogen projects throughout California. Within the plan, an initiative aiming to deploy over 1,000 fuel cell buses is in place.

New Flyer hydrogen buses have been ordered so far in California by Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and San Francisco Bay Area’s AC Transit. In California all new sales of transit buses must be zero-emission by 2030 in the state.

Fuel cell bus figures grew strongly in 2023 in the USA, showing a 76% increase (from 211 to 327 units) according to CALSTART report. 2023 data highlights California‘s continued leadership in the nationwide adoption of Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs), with a count of 1,946, representing 32 percent of all ZEBs across the country. It’s no surprise, as all new sales of transit buses must be zero-emission by 2030 in the state.

ARCHES’ 1,000-Bus Initiative goes live

This funding supports the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) in establishing a leading hydrogen hub in the state and aims to significantly reduce California’s dependence on fossil fuels, paving the way for a carbon-neutral economy by 2045. Selected last October as one of seven recipients of the DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs), ARCHES is pioneering a national network connecting clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and infrastructure, marking a crucial milestone in advancing sustainable energy solutions across the United States. Notably, ARCHES is the first of the H2 Hubs to successfully secure a contract with the DOE, allowing it to advance to Phase 1 planning activities.

As a key partner of the ARCHES team, the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is proud to spearhead ARCHES’ 1,000-Bus Initiative. This ambitious project involves deploying more than 1,000 fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) across 13 California transit agencies over the next five to eight years. It also includes the construction or upgrade of 19 refueling and maintenance facilities essential for supporting these buses.

CTE’s California office will be engaged in developing the strategic plan for and executing the deployment of 5,000 Class 8 fuel cell electric trucks and their supporting infrastructure.

“We are honored to be a part of the ARCHES team and contribute to the country’s growing hydrogen economy,” said Dan Raudebaugh, Executive Director, CTE. “The DOE’s substantial investment underscores the importance of hydrogen as a key component of our clean energy future. CTE is dedicated to driving innovation and collaboration to support our shared vision of a sustainable, zero-emission U.S. transportation system.”