South Australia node attends Foton hydrogen fuel cell bus trial in Adelaide

Diesel buses are big sources of emissions and particulates. On long routes, sometimes EV’s are not the best solution, and you need a clean fuel.

That’s where hydrogen comes in. With no tailpipe emissions and low noise, hydrogen buses deliver a great experience and pathway to net-zero even in the hardest to abate areas. Building experience through trials is essential.

One example now underway in Adelaide is the trial of a Foton hydrogen fuel cell bus, developed in collaboration between Torrens Transit, Foton Mobility, and BOC. The bus operates on locally produced hydrogen from AGIG’s HyP SA facility and is designed to integrate seamlessly with mobile refuelling infrastructure, demonstrating a practical route for large-scale fleet decarbonisation.

This trial forms part of South Australia’s broader clean transport strategy, which also includes hybrid trains with energy storage and recovery systems, and an ongoing commitment by Adelaide Metro to a fully zero-emissions public transport network.

Scott, our Lead for Industrial Decarbonisation, joined a guided tour of Adelaide’s Morphettville Depot, hosted by the Hydrogen Society of Australia. Attendees experienced the hydrogen bus firsthand, observed mobile refuelling in action, and discussed the vehicle’s operation with depot staff. Operators highlighted the bus’s impressive reliability, low maintenance, and strong manufacturer support.

These real-world demonstrations show how hydrogen and electric technologies are already beginning to transform public transport in Australia, shifting innovation from the lab to the streets.

Thanks to Hassan Khalili from the University of Adelaide for organising the tour.