The city of Fresno has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the acquisition of two hydrogen fuel cell buses. In a unanimous vote, the city council approved a $3.5 million contract with H2B2 USA LLC to provide the power source for the vehicles. The contract spans three years, with the possibility of two one-year renewals, effectively ensuring a five-year supply of fuel.
Transportation director Gregory Barfield estimates that fuel costs for the two buses will amount to $300,000 annually. Despite the skepticism voiced by some council members, who questioned the efficacy of the technology and the cost to taxpayers, the decision to invest in hydrogen buses aligns with the city’s long-term goals of reducing emissions and improving air quality.
The procurement process involved three companies, all of which responded to a Request for Information. Ultimately, only the Kerman plant met Fresno’s specific requirements. The city’s maintenance yard did not meet fire code regulations for hydrogen storage.
Training on the new buses is expected to take at least six months before they can be put into service. While the initial purchase consists of only two buses, Fresno plans to expand its fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future. The city also intends to open closer hydrogen filling stations to alleviate the current inconvenience of having to travel to Kerman for refueling.
With the acquisition of these hydrogen fuel cell buses, Fresno takes a bold step towards sustainable transportation. By embracing new technology, the city demonstrates its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and creating a cleaner environment for its residents. As the demand for clean energy vehicles continues to grow, Fresno’s investment in hydrogen buses serves as an example for other cities looking to make a positive impact on the environment.
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. What is the city of Fresno’s recent acquisition?
The city of Fresno has recently acquired two hydrogen fuel cell buses.
2. How much did the city council approve for the contract with H2B2 USA LLC?
The city council approved a $3.5 million contract with H2B2 USA LLC.
3. How long will the contract with H2B2 USA LLC last?
The contract spans three years, with the possibility of two one-year renewals, effectively ensuring a five-year supply of fuel.
4. How much will fuel costs for the two buses amount to annually?
Transportation director Gregory Barfield estimates that fuel costs for the two buses will amount to $300,000 annually.
5. What were some concerns raised by council members about the technology and cost?
Some council members voiced concerns about the efficacy of the technology and the cost to taxpayers.
6. Why did Fresno decide to invest in hydrogen buses?
Fresno decided to invest in hydrogen buses to align with its long-term goals of reducing emissions and improving air quality.
7. How many companies were involved in the procurement process?
Three companies were involved in the procurement process.
8. Why was only the Kerman plant chosen for meeting Fresno’s requirements?
Out of the three companies, only the Kerman plant met Fresno’s specific requirements.
9. When will the new buses be put into service?
Training on the new buses is expected to take at least six months before they can be put into service.
10. What are Fresno’s future plans for its fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles?
Fresno plans to expand its fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future.
11. How does Fresno plan to alleviate the current inconvenience of refueling?
Fresno plans to open closer hydrogen filling stations to alleviate the inconvenience of having to travel to Kerman for refueling.
Definitions:
– Hydrogen fuel cell: A type of fuel cell that uses hydrogen as the fuel source to generate electricity, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.
– Efficacy: The ability or effectiveness of something, in this case, the effectiveness of the technology.
– Carbon footprint: The total greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, produced by an individual, organization, event, or product.
– Procurement: The process of acquiring goods or services for an organization, in this case, the process of acquiring hydrogen fuel cell buses.
– Carbon footprint: The total greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, produced by an individual, organization, event, or product.
Suggested related links:
– Fresno City’s Official Website
– H2B2 USA LLC Official Website
