In March, hydrogen-powered taxis might start operating in Tallinn with significant state support.
This project began in 2021 with the government investing €5 million, marking a crucial step towards clean energy in Estonia. The initiative is part of a larger push, with multiple hydrogen projects popping up across the country.
Utilitas, an energy firm, plans to begin hydrogen production and set up two refueling stations soon, facilitating the operation of 30 Bolt-brand taxis in Tallinn. In 2023, the Port of Tallinn received €10 million to set up hydrogen production at Muuga, east of the capital, covering costs for one public refueling station and eight vehicles. Eesti Energia aims to use similar funding to establish hydrogen production near the Purtse wind farm and refueling stations in Tartu and Sauga.
Three hydrogen buses are set to begin service soon, and in Paldiski, Derivaat NH3 plans to use hydrogen for ammonia production. Utilitas has already set up an electrolyzer, crucial for low-emission hydrogen production, in Väo, producing its first batch of green hydrogen last December. The system includes purification and cooling equipment and two refueling stations in place.
Bolts taxi service will employ 30 Toyota Mirai vehicles, among the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Each car costs around €74,000, and the operating cost per 100 kilometers is approximately €10. The 30 taxis are expected to consume 40 tonnes of hydrogen annually, while the Väo electrolyzer can produce 120 tonnes per year.
Initial production won’t hit full capacity, but demand is expected to grow as stations become operational. Hydrogen usage is already prevalent among enthusiasts in Estonia who use it for vehicles and other devices. A magnet factory in Narva will also use hydrogen, with interest in pricing from Latvia and Finland.
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