TIDMITM
ITM Power PLC
01 September 2017
1 September 2017
ITM Power plc
("ITM Power" or the "Company")
First Hydrogen Bus route in France
Pau Pyrénées, a region committed to energy transition, made the
Hydrogen choice
The GNVERT - VAN HOOL consortium will deploy the first hydrogen
bus route in France, in Pau. François Bayrou, President of the
community of Pau Béarn Pyrénées, made this public announcement for
the creation of a "zero emission" bus route. It will be operated by
the Pau transport operator companies SMTU-PPP([1]) and STAP([2])
from September 2019 between the hospital and the railway station in
Pau.
For the first time in France, hydrogen conquers public
transport.
Fuelled by hydrogen from renewable sources, eight buses from the
Bus Rapid Transit service line (BHNS) will be operating on the
streets of Pau within two years, as part of a contract between
SMTU-PPP, Engie, Van Hool and ITM Power.
The buses will form an artery of the new transportation network
designed by the City within its urban redevelopment project aimed
at improving the perception and use of public spaces in a
sustainable way.
The use of hydrogen buses is a French first.
The so-called hydrogen buses are electric buses whose energy is
stored in the form of pressurized hydrogen: electricity is produced
in real time on board the vehicle using innovative technology
combining hydrogen and oxygen: a Fuel cell. This "zero emission"
technology does not emit any greenhouse gases or atmospheric
pollutants during its use, only water vapor.
Hydrogen buses have solid advantages: long driving range (350
km) and rapid recharging (10 minutes). These provide them, amid the
various zero-emission bus technology options, with the highest
level of operational flexibility and productivity for a bus
operator.
The other characteristics of the BHNS buses principally comprise
a high-end experience for the traveler (comfort, safety,
availability, information), high frequency with short waiting time
and a predominantly dedicated bus lane. The BHNS is an effective
alternative to the introduction of a rail mode transport, such as
the tramway.
The bus will be designed and manufactured by Van Hool, the
European manufacturer with the most expertise in hydrogen mobility
with more than 50 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) hydrogen buses
already in operation. As a leader and innovator, Van Hool is
developing, from its electric platform, an articulated 18-meter
fuel cell bus model for the needs of this BRT(BHNS) line.
Engie, via its GNVERT subsidiary, responsible for the
distribution of alternative fuels, will take charge of the
construction and operation of the hydrogen refuelling station for
these buses. The hydrogen will be produced on site by an ITM Power
PEM electrolyser powered by local renewable electricity, thus
ensuring completely decarbonised energy for propulsion.
With this flagship project, the Engie Group is positioning
itself as a key player in the energy revolution: promoting green
growth through actions such as increasing the share of renewable
energies in the French energy mix, the improvement of air quality
and the optimisation of transport networks. The choice of this zero
emission solution : zero Co2 and zero local pollutants (fine
particles, nitrogen oxides, etc.), demonstrates the potential of
making the environmental choices required during the energy
transition while offering the best service to Pau public transport
users.
This bus project is part of a policy for sustainable mobility,
preservation of the environment and the living environment of Pau's
inhabitants. The BHNS is the core of a new mobility but also a
vector for an enhanced and sustainable quality of life, increasing
economic and residential attractiveness.
François Bayrou, President of the Pau Béarn Pyrénées Urban
Community declares: "The Pau Béarn Pyrénées conurbation has chosen
hydrogen innovation for a "zero emission" solution and is
transforming a daily mode of transport into an environmental and
human project. "
Nicolas Patriarche, President of the Syndicat Mixte des
Transports Urbains (SMTU) adds: "Through the choice of an
innovative motorisation, the Syndicat Mixte des Transports Urbains
of the Pau agglomeration gives full meaning to the environmental
vocation of collective mobility".
Jan Van Hool, Director of Design & Development, and member
of the Van Hool Board, states: "Van Hool is pleased to be able to
apply its vast experience in the field of hydrogen-powered vehicles
to the new BHNS bus system in Pau. This is a challenge for which we
happily roll up our sleeves. On the one hand, Van Hool has sold
about 50 Fuel Cell hydrogen vehicles (32 in Europe and 21 in North
America) and on the other hand we have introduced just over 200
BHNS buses in 13 European countries and in Martinique. The unique
combination of a hydrogen-powered BHNS is undoubtedly a new turning
point in the modern and environmentally friendly public transport
of tomorrow. "
Philippe Van Deven, Managing Director of GNVERT, the Engie Group
subsidiary, said: "Pau's choice of hydrogen as a zero-emission
solution for a BHNS line is a tremendous boost to the energy
transition of fuels. Communities are fully aware of environmental
issues related to transportation and in particular the mobility of
people. Pau has distinguished itself by its strong choice and the
innovative character of this BHNS zero emissions line. This project
demonstrates the technical and-economic feasibility of green
mobility combining improvement of quality of life in urban areas
with the high level of service expected from public transport."
Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power plc commented: "We are looking
forward to supporting GNVERT, VanHool and the City of Pau in this
important hydrogen bus project. The hydrogen bus market is growing
rapidly and it is a great pleasure to be working with such an
important group of leaders on this major step forward in
France."
Notes:
([1]) SMTU-PPP : Syndicat Mixte de Transports Urbains - Pau
Portes des Pyrénées
([2]) STAP : Société de Transport de l'Agglomération Paloise
For further information please visit www.itm-power.com or
contact:
ITM Power plc
Graham Cooley, CEO +44 (0)114 244 5111
Investec Bank plc (Nominated Adviser and
Broker)
Jeremy Ellis / Chris Sim / Jonathan Wynn +44 (0)20 7597 5970
Tavistock (Financial PR and IR)
Simon Hudson / James Collins +44 (0)20 7920 3150
About ITM Power plc
ITM Power manufactures integrated hydrogen energy solutions
which are rapid response and high pressure that meet the
requirements for grid balancing and energy storage services, and
for the production of clean fuel for transport, renewable heat and
chemicals. ITM Power plc was admitted to the AIM market of the
London Stock Exchange in 2004. The Company received GBP4.9m as a
strategic investment from JCB in March 2015. The Company signed a
forecourt siting agreement with Shell in September 2015. The
Company currently has GBP18.0m of projects under contract and
GBP19.9m of contracts in the final stages of negotiation, totalling
GBP37.9m (subject to exchange rate variation).
About ENGIE and its GNVERT subsidiary
ENGIE places responsible growth at the core of its business
lines (electricity, natural gas, energy services) to address the
major challenges of energy transition to a low carbon economy:
access to sustainable energy, mitigation and adaptation to climate
change and the rational use of resources. The Group develops
high-performance, innovative solutions for individuals, cities and
businesses, building on its expertise in four key sectors:
renewable energy, energy efficiency, liquefied natural gas and
digital technologies.
ENGIE has 153,090 employees worldwide with a turnover in 2016 of
66.6 billion euros. Listed in Paris and Brussels (ENGI), the Group
is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, CAC 40
Governance, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop
100, MSCI Europe, DJSI World, DJSI Europe and Euronext Vigeo (World
120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20).
Since 1998, GNVERT, a subsidiary of the ENGIE Group, has put all
its expertise at the service of companies and local authorities in
order to offer tailor-made green mobility solutions. GNVERT is the
leader in France of refueling solutions for alternative fuels (CNG,
BioGNC, LNG, Hydrogen..) and operates 140 stations.
About VAN HOOL
Van Hool is an independent Belgian manufacturer of buses,
coaches and industrial vehicles. The family business, founded in
1947, is based in Koningshooikt (Belgium). The vast majority of
production is destined for the European and American markets. Van
Hool employs approximately 4,400 people worldwide, most of whom
work in production centers in Koningshooikt (Belgium) and Skopje
(Macedonia). Van Hool was founded in 1947 by Bernard Van Hool. For
70 years Van Hool is renowned for designing and building high-tech
customized products.
About the Communauté d'agglomération Pau Béarn Pyrénées
The Communauté d'agglomération Pau Béarn Pyrénées (Pau Béarn
Pyrenees Urban Community), presided by François Bayrou, gathers 31
municipalities and 161,000 inhabitants and forms one of the main
urban agglomerations in New Aquitaine. In keeping with national and
European strategies, the Pau metropolitan area is committed to be a
leading player in climate solutions and energy transition. The BHNS
hydrogen electric bus project is emblematic from this point of
view.
About SMTU-PPP
The semi-public Syndicate of Urban Transport of Pau-Porte des
Pyrénées was created on 2 April 2010. It is the organizing
authority for the public transport. Since January 1st, 2017, its
territorial jurisdiction covers 37 municipalities and accounts for
nearly 184 000 inhabitants. It includes the Community of
Agglomeration of Pau Béarn Pyrénées (31 towns) as well as the town
of Montardon, Morlaàs, Navailles-Angos, Sauvagnon, Serres-Morlaàs
and Serres-Castet.
-ends-
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