Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, inaugurated the trial run of Saudi Arabia’s first hydrogen-powered bus on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s push for eco-friendly transportation solutions.
The hydrogen-powered bus, which can travel up to 635 kilometers on a single charge, is designed to carry 45 passengers. It will operate daily between Dammam and Al-Ahsa, covering a 359-kilometer route as part of the intercity services managed by SATCO, a licensed transportation company in the southern concession area.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics and Acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA), who emphasized the significance of the trial in advancing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability.
During the event, Prince Saud watched a video detailing the operation of hydrogen buses, including the fueling process, safety features, and the environmental benefits, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
Key Step Towards Saudi Vision 2030
Prince Saud highlighted that the introduction of the hydrogen-powered bus in Al-Ahsa aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the nation’s strategic plan for environmental sustainability and the promotion of green technologies. He expressed pride that Al-Ahsa is the launch site for such pioneering initiatives, which aim to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors while providing safe and innovative transportation options.
Dr. Al-Rumaih, in his speech, noted that the trial was a key component of the TGA’s efforts to foster innovation and promote sustainable transport solutions. He reaffirmed the TGA’s commitment to working with both public and private sector partners to reduce carbon emissions, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which is designed to enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness on both a regional and global scale.
Public-Private Partnership Driving Innovation
The hydrogen bus trial is a collaborative effort involving several government entities and private sector companies. Al-Majdouie-Hyundai is the supplier of the bus, while Saudi Aramco and Air Products are responsible for the operation and supervision of the hydrogen fueling station. Abdullah Hashim Company is supplying the hydrogen gas using specialized tankers.
The hydrogen-powered bus trial is part of a broader initiative by the TGA to modernize Saudi Arabia’s transportation infrastructure. Previously, the authority issued an operational license for the Kingdom’s first hydrogen-powered train through Saudi Railway Company (SAR) and launched the first public hydrogen-powered taxi in Jeddah.
Supporting Saudi Green Initiative
The hydrogen-powered bus is one of several sustainable projects being developed by the TGA to reduce carbon emissions and support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious environmental goals, particularly the Saudi Green Initiative. This initiative aims to position the Kingdom as a leader in green technologies and sustainable development in the region.
As the Kingdom works toward its Vision 2030 goals, the hydrogen-powered bus launch marks a crucial step in advancing both public transportation services and environmental sustainability, setting a global example for eco-conscious innovation in the transport sector.
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