Air Liquide’s Hydrogen Energy Technologies Filling BC Transit’s Zero-Emission Bus Fleet

In addition to supplying certified hydrogen fuel, Air Liquide designed, built, operates and maintains the filling station that will keep B.C.’s new fleet of green buses on the move. It will be the largest hydrogen filling station in the world with the capacity to fill 23 buses per day.

Air Liquide worked alongside Canadian companies Sacre-Davey Group, Hydrogen Technology and Energy Corporation and Hydrogenics Corporation to bring this project to term.

“Air Liquide’s initiative in this world leading project represents another step in our strategy to actively develop Canada’s hydrogen energy supply and infrastructure” said Luc Doyon, president and CEO, Air Liquide Canada.

Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles produce no greenhouse gas emissions and they can be twice as efficient as internal combustion engines. In one year, while operating the 20 fuel cell buses, over 1800 tonnes of emissions are saved. In the 20-year lifespan of these
buses, that means over 36,000 tonnes could be avoided.

Over forty Air Liquide stations have been installed throughout the world to date. Other Canadian programs include the Vancouver and Montreal airports, which are installing hydrogen stations to supply fuel-cell and internal combustion engine powered passenger and utility vehicles.

“Michael J. Graff, president and CEO, American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee said: “As we near the 2010 Olympics, Air Liquide is proud to show how innovative fuel cell technology can power public transportation and protect our environment. Air Liquide is actively contributing to developing alternative energies, investing 60% of its R&D budget in solutions that aim to preserve the environment and life.”