Emerald Coaches announces $100 million project to convert their fleet of 120 buses to hydrogen power

Emerald Coaches

Video News Release featuring footage of Emerald Coaches, statements from Michael and Rachael Baulch, Statement by Honourable Mark Bailey, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, local school children and Christine Rolfe, Deputy Mayor, Central Highlands Regional Council. https://bit.ly/3BqKenJ

High res images of Emerald Coaches: https://bit.ly/3bj4s7Z

Emerald Coaches, a Queensland private passenger transport operator, is the first of its kind in Australia to commit to a zero-emissions target by introducing hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to their fleet from 2022.

In a timely announcement ahead of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this weekend, the project will offer a completely sustainable transport solution with benefits to the environment, local community, and passengers and is estimated to cost approximately $100 million dollars.

In a world currently experiencing global fuel shortages, the project will provide Emerald Coaches with complete fuel security and price stability.

Emerald Coaches’ diesel-powered vehicles currently use over 1 million litres of fuel every year, producing 3,100 tonnes of greenhouse emissions. Under the e-Mission zero project, the entire fleet will be replaced by hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles producing zero emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Federal Government’s net zero emissions target.

Green hydrogen will be produced at Emerald Coaches using rainwater captured onsite with a renewable powered electrolyser generating hydrogen to power the entire fleet.

“Australia’s transport industry is one of the most energy intensive in the world. We believe renewable hydrogen is the future of the transport industry. It’s a natural gas that is extracted from water making it a completely clean and sustainable fuel source. The only thing to come out of the exhaust is water,” said Emerald Coaches Director, Michael Baulch.

The first two vehicles are planned for 2022, with the entire fleet to be powered by hydrogen fuel cell electricity by 2040. As the largest provider of school bus services in the Central Highlands, the company will complete over 1 million passenger trips per annum on hydrogen powered buses starting at the end of 2022.

“We have proudly provided transport services for the past 40 years. By leading the way and being the first to commit to zero emissions, we are hoping to have a positive impact on our community and our team and encourage other business sectors to consider doing things differently. There will be many opportunities to provide jobs and ongoing education in a completely new and innovative space, right here in Emerald,” said Rachael Baulch, Director, Emerald Coaches.

Interest in hydrogen as a renewable energy source is on the rise around the world and green hydrogen is the cleanest form of this natural gas. Hydrogen is considered “green” if the production process is powered by a renewable energy source. Emerald Coaches will produce hydrogen onsite using rainwater and solar power. This closed loop system will provide complete fuel security, price stability and will eliminate the need to transport hydrogen from another facility. With approximately 90% of fuels used in Australian derived from oil sourced from abroad, locally produced green hydrogen will help offset the risk of fuel disruption and price instability.

“We congratulate Emerald Coaches for their $100 million commitment to convert their diesel buses to hydrogen fuel cell buses. The transport industry produces approximately 14% of greenhouses emissions and today’s announcement is a great example of how the private sector can play an important role in seriously addressing the impact of climate change. We look forward to working with Emerald Coaches to support them in delivering their zero-emission strategy,” said Mark Bailey MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads.

While the hydrogen powered buses are the jewel in the crown of their e-mission zero strategy, Emerald Coaches will implement other energy efficiency measures to ensure they are using 100% renewable electricity and water in their facilities by 2025. This will include 100% renewable power, recycling and rainwater systems, paperless office systems and water efficient mobile vehicle washing units.

About Emerald Coaches: Emerald Coaches is an Australian, family owned and operated regional transport service based in Emerald and Mackay, Queensland with a fleet of 120 vehicles, supplying passenger transport to the mining and resource sector as well as charter services.

How do Hydrogen Fuel Cells work? The buses will be electric vehicles powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Hydrogen fuel cells are an emission-free power source. Hydrogen, which is the most abundant element on the planet is found in water. It is extracted via an electrolyser, the elements of hydrogen and oxygen are separated, the hydrogen is then converted into electricity through a hydrogen fuel cell to power the vehicle. The key benefit over a battery electric vehicle is range and refuelling time. Emerald Coaches’ hydrogen powered buses will have a range of 800km and will take just 10 minutes to refuel as compared to a battery electric vehicle with a range of 400km and a refuelling time of 3+ hours. This range will allow Emerald Coaches to provide a clean and efficient transport solution to their existing customers including the mining and resources sector.

/Public Release.