In the presence of numerous representatives from politics and business, the test operation of the Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen started. The hydrogen-powered bus will be used for public transport in the city of Wels for a fortnight. At Fronius in Thalheim, it is refuelled daily with around 13 kilograms of hydrogen from solar power.
Refuelling takes around 15 minutes. Depending on the operating conditions, the bus can travel at least 160 kilometres on this fuel. "The best thing is that heat and water vapour are the only products of the chemical reaction in the fuel cell, they act as a kind of mini power station," explains Abba Mejer, head of Solaris Bus. "Refuelling with hydrogen is short, convenient and hardly different from refuelling a diesel vehicle."
Solhub acts as fuelling station
Fronius' Solhub acts as a filling station for the hydrogen. "With the Solhub, we offer a complete turnkey solution that makes it possible to produce local, green hydrogen and use it to refuel fuel cell vehicles," says Martin Hackl, Head of the Solar Division at Fronius. "We have thus succeeded in taking another step towards realising our vision of 24 hours of sunshine. The Solhub holds enormous potential for both companies and municipalities."
For Fronius, the focus of this test run is to prove the practical feasibility and necessity of locally produced, green hydrogen. "We are showing that the technology works and is suitable for everyday use," says Thomas Rührlinger, who develops new business models with hydrogen at Fronius.
Fronius
Green hydrogen for the region's companies
Green hydrogen from renewable energies is a central factor for decarbonisation and for achieving climate goals. "The biggest challenge is the availability of green hydrogen," says Martin Hackl. "The Fronius Solhub solves this problem, because it produces directly on site, green hydrogen from solar energy."
See also: Fronius is expanding its portfolio
This eliminates the need for long transport and import routes. At the same time, the proximity to the consumer ensures the CO2-free production of hydrogen. In future, companies such as the SAN Group will produce up to 100 kilogrammes of green hydrogen per day directly at the company site.
Modular solution concept for sector coupling
With the Solhub, Fronius offers a modular solution portfolio for sector coupling and storage of renewable energy. Sustainable and locally produced hydrogen holds great potential and strengthens domestic value creation as well as regional business models. "In the next few years, we expect to see a large number of additional implementations at customers from commercial and production companies, municipalities and transport companies, as well as logistics, tourism, operators of special vehicles and in the context of renewable energy communities," reveals Rührlinger. (HS/mfo)
