Montgomery County's Green Hydrogen-Powered Bus Depot: A Sustainable Transit Revolution
Key Ideas
- Montgomery County and AlphaStruxure broke ground on a cutting-edge microgrid project featuring electric bus charging and green hydrogen production.
- The project aims to accommodate 200 zero-emissions buses by 2035, with a focus on hydrogen fuel cell electric buses for longer routes.
- The microgrid, to be completed in 2025, will reduce emissions, advance equity, and offer sustainable, resilient power for the county's transit fleet.
- AlphaStruxure will finance the project through an Energy as a Service business model, with various partners contributing to different aspects of the infrastructure.
AlphaStruxure, a leader in Energy as a Service (EaaS) microgrid solutions, and Montgomery County officials in Maryland have embarked on an integrated microgrid infrastructure project. This initiative, breaking ground in Montgomery County, includes electric bus charging stations and green hydrogen production powered by solar and battery energy storage. The county's David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operations Center is set to become a major hub for zero-emissions buses, particularly hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) due to their extended range. By 2035, the depot plans to house 200 zero-emissions buses. The project, expected to be finalized in 2025, will not only contribute renewable energy back to the grid but also provide sustainable power for the zero-emissions buses. This microgrid endeavor aligns with Montgomery County's goal to achieve a 100% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 and is estimated to cut emissions by 4,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 780 homes. The initiative also seeks to enhance equity by supporting cleaner air and less congestion through the Bus Rapid Transit network, benefiting minority and low-income riders. In addition to fostering sustainability, the microgrid project will create new career opportunities for underserved communities via a county apprenticeship program. The project remains operational throughout its construction phases, ensuring continuous transit services. Financed by AlphaStruxure through an Energy as a Service business model, the project involves various partners such as Mortenson, Schneider Electric, WSP, AZZO, The Mobility House, and Heliox. With a focus on sustainability, resilience, and reducing carbon emissions, the Montgomery County transit fleet and depot infrastructure are undergoing a transformative shift led by the county's Department of General Services, Department of Transportation, and Office of Energy and Sustainability.
Topics
Public Transit
Renewable Energy
Zero Emissions
Sustainable Transit
Electric Buses
Public Transportation
Microgrid Infrastructure
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