This project explored how Translink, Northern Ireland’s public transport provider, could generate its own hydrogen to power a fleet of zero-emission buses. The research looked at the costs, environmental benefits, and practical steps needed to make this happen, using electricity from wind turbines to produce hydrogen through the process of electrolysis.
Three different sizes of hydrogen production systems were considered—small (1 MW), medium (10 MW), and large (50 MW). The study found that a 50 MW system could produce enough hydrogen to power all of Translink’s Metro, Ulsterbus, and Goldline services, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions whilst even the smaller systems showed promising results, especially when paired with battery electric buses.
The project also mapped out suitable locations across Northern Ireland for hydrogen production, focusing on areas with strong wind resources and access to existing infrastructure. It considered how by-products like oxygen could be used in hospitals or water treatment plants, adding extra value.
A custom-built model was developed to help decision-makers explore different scenarios, including future uses for hydrogen in trains and refuse lorries. The findings show that switching to hydrogen buses could reduce emissions by up to 84%, helping Translink meet its climate goals by 2050.
While the transition will require significant investment, the long-term environmental and economic benefits make it a compelling option. The project provides a clear roadmap for how hydrogen can play a key role in the decarbonisation of transport in Northern Ireland.