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The Stadtwerke Bielefeld Group is implementing a project that will see 29 dual-fuel buses, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and battery-electric drives, refueled with locally produced hydrogen. IMI will supply a 1-megawatt electrolyser for this initiative.

The electrolyser will be installed at the Bielefeld Innovation Park, which features a solar system on the roof of a new bus depot. This local hydrogen production eliminates transport emissions and allows buses to be powered by either solar electricity or locally produced hydrogen from renewable sources.

A report by IMI indicates that 77% of German bus operators are investing in hydrogen vehicles, but only 27% have a permanent hydrogen infrastructure. The project aims to address challenges in decarbonisation related to grid reliability and battery limitations.