Carinthia starts new hydrogen project for regional buses

Carinthia starts new hydrogen project for regional buses

Hydrogen technology has become very important in recent years, and the project in Carinthia is a promising example of how innovative approaches can develop in mobility. After the previous project H2Carinthia was hired after four years of work, the state government has now launched a new project that works on an environmentally friendly future for public transport.

Under the direction of State Councilor Sebastian Schuschnig (ÖVP), the Decarb (Decarbonising Carinthian Bus Transport) project was presented. This new concept provides to introduce hydrogen buses in the Villach area by May 2026. Shuschnig described the schedule as "sporty but feasible". The reason for the rapids is also that the project comprises a financial volume of around 43 million euros, with eleven million euros being made available by the Austrian research funding company.

technical details and partners

A new element in this project is the partnership with the Carinthian energy supplier Kelag, which will set up a hydrogen electrolysis system at the location of the waste incineration plant in Arnoldstein. This system uses renewable energies such as hydropower, photovoltaics and wind power to produce "green hydrogen". Kelag board Danny Güthlein explains that this is not only about hydrogen production, but also about the efficient use of the waste heat that is fed into the district heating network.

With the hydrogen, a total of 35 regional buses and a bus in the urban traffic of Villach are to be operated. Alfred Loidl, board member of Postbus AG, emphasizes that Carinthia will have Austria's largest hydrogen bus fleet. In addition, a petrol station in Villach is built, which is operated by Gutmann GmbH. The approval procedure for the necessary contracts is already underway and progress is being followed.

The development of hydrogen technology in Carinthia not only shows the endeavor to make local transport more environmentally friendly, but also the potential to become pioneers in the use of renewable energies through such projects. In view of the investments made in infrastructure and technology, Carinthia could become a model region for other federal states that want to pursue similar approaches. More information on this innovative project can be found at www.kleine newspaper.at