The Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) has declared that it will provide around 16.6 million euros in support to Saarland-based bus businesses for clean drive conversions and a hydrogen research project.
In Saarbrücken and Völklingen at the beginning of April, Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport, presented the pertinent financial documents.
15.8 million euros will be given to the transportation firms Saarbahn GmbH, Saarbahn Netze GmbH, Völklinger Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH, and Nikolaus Kirsch Omnibusbetrieb GmbH for the purchase of 19 battery-electric and 28 fuel cell buses, as well as the infrastructure needed for each type of bus’ charging, refuelling, and maintenance (BMDV).
The “Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Passenger Transport,” which is technology-neutral, includes funding. With the help of 366,600 euros, Nikolaus Kirsch Omnibusbetrieb GmbH in Merzig will be able to purchase four battery-powered buses along with the necessary infrastructure for charging and maintenance. 11.17 million euros will be given to Saarbahn GmbH and Saarbahn Netze GmbH in Saarbrücken for the purchase of 28 fuel cell buses and the related infrastructure for refuelling and maintenance. Völklinger Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH will get 4.26 million euros in order to purchase 15 battery buses along with the necessary infrastructure for charging and maintenance.
The research and development project “RoWaBasch” will receive an additional 800,000 euros. Using cutting-edge barrier layers, Saarland technology businesses are creating reliable hydrogen pressure sensors inside this framework. Money is given as part of the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology’s “Research & Development” policy (NIP). Background: A transportation and storage system that is equally effective is necessary for the expansion of the hydrogen economy.
The RoWaBasch advancement should make it feasible to measure container pressure in order to check system safety and identify the pressure vessel’s fill level.
