Expressions Of Interest called for zero emission buses

The Tasmanian Government is working with Metro Tasmania to demonstrate zero emission buses. There will be two types of buses in the trial: battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell.

The project will play a critical role in gaining operational hydrogen experience. It will also be key in demonstrating to the community the application of hydrogen. It will inform decisions around transitioning the fleet to zero emission buses. Having a zero emission bus fleet could play a key role in the transition to green energy transport. It can also contribute to achieving the Government target of net zero emissions by 2030.

Metro Tasmania will run the trial for up to three years. In the north of the State there will be three battery electric buses (BEB) to run in Launceston. In the south there will be up to three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEB) in Hobart. This will also include building the associated hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

Metro has released a Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for :

• the supply of the buses
• associated recharging and hydrogen refuelling equipment
• specialist maintenance services.

We encourage Tasmanian businesses to consider submitting an EOI or partnering with other firms to submit an EOI. Review the EOI on Metro’s TenderLink web portal.

The EOI will close on 30 May 2022. A shortlisting process will be undertaken of successful suppliers. They will then be able to take part in a tender process for the supply contracts.

In 2021, the Tasmanian Government completed the hydrogen industry activation study. The study identified buses as a potential user of hydrogen. An allocation of up to $12.3 million will support the FCEB trail from the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Funding Program. The Government allocated an additional $6 million in the 2021-22 Budget to support the BEB trial.