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IP/06/1315 Brussels, 5 October 2006 Purchasing zero emissions hydrogen-powered busesSix cities and regions in Europe and Canada are joining forces with the aim of buying environmentally friendly zero-emissions hydrogen-powered buses. Today’s decision to go ahead with this international alliance was taken by the partners after the successful completion of the major EU-assisted hydrogen and fuel cell bus project CUTE (Clean Urban Transport for Europe). The European Commission fully supports this initiative as it sends a strong signal to the suppliers of hydrogen powered buses that potential markets exist for this new technology.Vice-President Jacques Barrot in charge of transport welcomed the initiative, reminding that “European transport policy seeks to develop mobility by disconnecting it from its harmful effects on the environment”. “Hydrogen for transport is one of the elements that will make this sustainable mobility policy possible” – he added. Other benefits, such as economies of scale, can be achieved through demonstrating joint demand for buses. This will also encourage suppliers to move towards the commercialisation of hydrogen buses as soon as possible. The alliance between cities represents a positive step towards the introduction of hydrogen powered technology beyond the demonstration phase, which is essential if we are to find solutions for addressing climate change and other environmental challenges. The Memorandum of Understanding on purchasing zero emissions hydrogen-powered
buses has been signed in the framework of the Third General Assembly of the
Europe Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform. The signatory parties
represent the following cities and regions: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin,
British Columbia Province, Hamburg and London. |