Brussels, Belgium — 31 July 2024 – The Joint Initiative for hydrogen Vehicles across Europe (JIVE 1), an ambitious project aimed at supporting the deployment and operation of hydrogen buses and refuelling stations across Europe, has come to an end. This landmark initiative has made significant progress towards its original objectives with the deployment of 131 hydrogen fuel cell buses in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transport. Its sister project, JIVE 2 will continue to run until June 2025.
Co-funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the JIVE 1 project has achieved key milestones such as:
- Increased manufacturer participation: At the project's inception, few suppliers offered fuel cell buses. Today, multiple models from various manufacturers are available.
- Cost reduction: The target price of €650,000 for a standard 12m bus was achieved across all sites, making fuel cell buses more economically viable.
- Double deck fuel cell buses: The world's first fleets of double deck fuel cell buses were developed and deployed.
- Zero emission performance: The buses demonstrated a consistent range of up to 500 kilometres in diverse climate conditions, proving their reliability and flexibility.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Original targets for fuel consumption were surpassed, with exceptionally low values of 6.5 kg/100km achieved, enhancing the economic case for fuel cell technology.
- Long-term commercial arrangements: Agreements with bus and hydrogen fuel suppliers were established for operations extending up to ten years.
- Expansion of operator experience: More operators now have practical experience in deploying and running fuel cell buses in regular operations.
- Extensive knowledge sharing: The project disseminated results through site visits, publications, presentations, bus user group meetings.
The JIVE projects also hosted impactful fuel cell bus roadshows across Central and Eastern Europe, touching a total of 13 countries, and a fourth roadshow is planned for Scandinavia by mid-2025. These events have raised awareness and supported the adoption of hydrogen buses in an increasing number of countries.
Challenges and Future Steps Despite the project's successes, challenges such as the reliability of hydrogen supplies, and refuelling stations were encountered. Addressing these issues remains critical for future commercial operations.
“I am proud to say that the flagship project JIVE exceeded our initial objectives by deploying 131 hydrogen fuel cell buses, demonstrating significant cost reductions, technological advancements, and environmental benefits. Thanks to the funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, this large-scale project has greatly advanced the commercialisation of fuel cell buses and promoted a more sustainable urban mobility. JIVE has also paved the way for further adoption of fuel cell buses in other European cities and serves as a successful example of the EU's leadership in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.” said Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit Operations and Communication, Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
"The JIVE1 project has made a major contribution towards advancing Europe’s fuel cell bus sector. Many lessons have been learnt that are highly relevant for public transport authorities, operators, and others with an interest in hydrogen in mobility applications. I would encourage any interested parties to take advantage of the outputs from the project. JIVE 1 has involved a major effort from a wide range of organisations and individuals, and I’d like to thank all the partners for their excellent collaboration. We are also extremely grateful to the Clean Hydrogen Partnership for their support, patience, and flexibility throughout." Michael Dolman, Partner at ERM (JIVE project coordinator).
About JIVE/JIVE 2
The JIVE and JIVE2 projects are financed by the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking under grant agreements no. 735582 and 779563. The Clean Hydrogen Undertaking receives support from the European Union's research and innovation programs Horizon 2020, Hydrogen Europe, and Hydrogen Europe Research.
The JIVE and JIVE2 projects, which started in January 2017 and January 2018, respectively, will deploy approx. 300 zero-emission fuel cell buses and associated infrastructure (under the MEHRLIN project) in 16 European cities and regions by the first half of the 2020s, which represents the largest implementation in Europe so far. The buses will be deployed in cities and regions in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Find out more about the project activities on the project website (fuelcellbuses.eu), also on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram pages.
About the Clean Hydrogen Partnership:
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is supporting research and innovation (R&I) activities in hydrogen technologies in Europe. It aims to accelerate the development of advanced clean hydrogen applications ready for market, across end-use sectors such as energy, transport, building and industry, while strengthening the competitiveness of the clean hydrogen value chain. The members of the partnership are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by Hydrogen Europe and the research community represented by Hydrogen Europe Research.
For more information, please visit www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu.