A coalition of 21 Polish municipalities has called on the national government to provide higher subsidies for hydrogen-powered public transport, citing challenges in managing the costs associated with hydrogen buses. The group has sent a joint letter to Poland’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, seeking financial support to offset the high operating costs.
The municipalities, which include Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, and Łódź, among others, argue for a dedicated subsidy mechanism for cities using hydrogen buses. They claim such measures would enhance environmental quality, improve public health, and contribute to energy independence and economic development.
Many of the municipalities already operating hydrogen buses face steep expenses, particularly due to reliance on expensive grey hydrogen. For others yet to receive their vehicles, concerns over operating costs are mounting.
According to CleanTechnica, hydrogen fuel costs approximately $16.50 per kilogram in Poland, compared to $1.18 for an equivalent amount of diesel. Over the course of a year, this cost disparity can translate to an additional $655,000 per bus, creating financial strain for municipalities that may not have accounted for these expenses in their initial calculations.
Despite the financial hurdles, the push for hydrogen buses could align with broader infrastructure projects such as the ‘Hytruck’ initiative. This project aims to establish a transnational hydrogen refuelling network in the Baltic Sea region, potentially easing access to affordable hydrogen for public transport and freight vehicles.
