Fire Incident at Belfort Depot: Clearing Misconceptions About Hydrogen Buses in France
Key Ideas
  • Initial findings confirm that a recent fire in Belfort, France, involving hydrogen buses was not related to the hydrogen fuel cells, emphasizing the safety mechanisms of the buses.
  • The Director of the Belfort Territory Transport Authority highlighted the effectiveness of hydrogen-powered buses and assured that safety systems worked perfectly during the incident.
  • Despite the fire destroying or damaging seven hydrogen buses, no injuries were reported, and the hydrogen strategy of Belfort remains unchanged with plans to power 50% of the bus fleet with hydrogen by 2025.
  • The incident highlighted the resilience of the hydrogen production and distribution station located near the depot, operated by Hynamics, which remained undamaged, showcasing the robustness of hydrogen infrastructure.
Following a recent fire incident on January 2 at a depot in Belfort, France, initial findings have clarified that the fire involving hydrogen fuel cell buses was not caused by the hydrogen flames. The Director of the Belfort Territory Transport Authority reassured the public that the safety mechanisms on the hydrogen-powered buses worked effectively during the incident, emphasizing the reliability and safety of such vehicles. While the fire resulted in the destruction or damage to seven hydrogen buses, fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The incident raised concerns but did not question Belfort's commitment to its hydrogen strategy, with plans to continue powering 50% of the bus fleet with hydrogen by 2025. The nearby hydrogen production and distribution station operated by Hynamics demonstrated resilience, remaining undamaged despite its proximity to the depot. This incident highlights the importance of safety measures and the robustness of hydrogen infrastructure in ensuring the safe utilization of alternative energy sources for public transportation. The incident serves as a testament to the effectiveness of safety protocols in mitigating risks associated with hydrogen-powered vehicles.
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