UTC Power announced yesterday it is set to provide fuel cells for a hydrogen-powered bus in Belgium.

In a joint project with Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool, UTC will provide the pilot vehicle to Belgium's largest bus company DeLijn.

The bus will be equipped with 120 PureMotion hydrogen fuel cells, delivering around 120kW to the vehicle.

In its first six months the bus will be based with DeLijn before being leased to other European firms.

UTC Power president Jan van Dokkum said: "We believe 'try before you buy' lease opportunities will accelerate sales of these zero-emission buses."

It is thought that hydrogen fuel cell technology will play a major role in an expected hybrid-electric boom in the transport industry over the coming years.

UTC and Van Hool have combined before on fuel cell bus projects and are currently providing hydrogen-powered vehicles for services in Oakland and Palm Springs, California.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd