Summary of the spring JIVE2 Nordic Roadshow
In the spring, Hydrogen Sweden led the Swedish part of the JIVE2 Nordic Roadshow.
The roadshow was part of the EU project JIVE2, which promotes hydrogen buses in public transport.
Vätgas Sverige conducted the Swedish part of the JIVE2 Nordic Roadshow as a part of the European JIVE2 project promoting hydrogen buses in public transport.
The tour stopped in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Ljungby and at Växjö Airport, where we invited decision-makers, transport authorities, public transport operators and the general public to test-drive hydrogen buses and cars, get technical information and discuss the opportunities and challenges of hydrogen-powered mobility. We tailored each event to local conditions, focusing on both urban and rural regions.
In Ljungby, we demonstrated how a regional hydrogen system works in practice, with locally produced hydrogen and nearby refueling infrastructure. Drivers from Keolis and Connect Bus test drove the buses and confirmed that the technology is ready for real traffic. We also demonstrated hydrogen cars such as the Toyota Mirai and the BMW iX5 to show how hydrogen can be widely used in the transport sector.
The events brought together representatives from municipalities, regions, operators, suppliers, industry and the education sector, and contributed to a better understanding of the role of hydrogen in a future fossil-free transport system.
Hydrogen buses complement public transport
The roadshow clearly demonstrated that hydrogen buses are a valuable complement to today’s fossil-free alternatives – battery-electric and biogas-powered buses
Hydrogen buses are particularly well suited to Class 2 services, where they cover longer distances in regional transport and can cope with environments with weak electricity infrastructure, limited charging capacity or high operational availability requirements. During the demonstrations in both urban and rural areas, we showed that the technology works in practice – it is operational, flexible and scalable, with an average fuel consumption of 5.7 kg/100 km.
To build a robust and resilient fossil fuel-free public transport system, we need to combine several technologies. Here, hydrogen buses play an obvious role, especially where other solutions are not practical or economical.
The roadshow showed and concretized synergies
- Public transport:
Trials in different environments showed how hydrogen buses work in existing systems and complement other options. - Energy and Logistics:
We demonstrated the link between local hydrogen production, refueling infrastructure and mobility at airports and industrial sites, among others. - Education:
The roadshow inspired students and teachers alike and sparked interest in green technologies and future careers. - Policy and market:
We engaged with stakeholders and discussed next steps, financing and the role of hydrogen for climate goals.
What is needed for hydrogen buses to become a reality in Sweden?
Hydrogen buses have an important role in public transportation and longer bus journeys. To scale up the technology in Sweden, we need:
- Introduce clearer national policy instruments
For example, through targeted support programs, procurement requirements and long-term incentives that reduce investment risks. - Plan infrastructure development in a coordinated way
Bus routes and hydrogen refueling stations need to be developed in parallel to create functional overall solutions. - Show regional leadership and collaboration
Regions and municipalities need to take the initiative and drive development together with operators and technology providers. - Spreading knowledge and sharing experiences
Through continued dialogue and cooperation – both nationally and internationally – we avoid duplication and strengthen the ability to scale up technology and markets.
The JIVE2 project will end this summer, but we will continue our work on hydrogen-powered public transport.
Hydrogen buses complement other fossil-free alternatives and strengthen a flexible, sustainable transport system.
We aim to make zero emissions the norm in public transport.
Members who want to contribute are warmly welcome to contact us.
Together we drive the development towards fossil-free transport of the future.
Many thanks to all members who participated and contributed to inspiring content during the spring roadshow!
Special thanks to Toyota Sweden, Hydri, PS Energi, Scandinavian Horizon and Strandmöllen for your engaging lectures and practical demonstrations – and for generously sharing your knowledge and technology.
A warm thank you also goes to Ljungby Municipality and Växjö Småland Airport for your valuable participation and cooperation on site.
Finally, a big thank you to all the partners of JIVE2:
JIVE 2 project funder: Clean Hydrogen Partnership
Main JIVE2 coordinator: ERM
JIVE 2 project partner: UITP
Technical coordinator: Latvian Hydrogen Association, Hydrogen Europe
National coordinators, besides us in Sweden, were Tampereen Messut and Cefmof in Finland.
More information and pictures from each city, as well as an overview of the JIVE2 project, can be found here https://vatgas.se/nordic-hydrogen-road-tour/
Photo: Carina Gran and Vätgas Sverige
