The transition to clean energy in public transport is progressing steadily in Spain and internationally . While Europe has set its sights on carbon neutrality by 2050, green hydrogen is emerging as a key driver for decarbonizing a sector responsible for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions. In this context, cities, government agencies, and companies are exploring innovative solutions and deploying the first sustainable mobility services powered by this technology.
In Spain, the commitment to green hydrogen in public transport is becoming increasingly visible . After phasing out the use of fossil fuels in part of their fleets, cities like Madrid and Barcelona are openly embracing this energy source. Madrid, for example, has eliminated diesel buses and operates with gas, electric, and the first hydrogen-powered vehicles, while the EMT (Madrid's municipal transport company) is adding new lines and expects to expand its fleet of electric buses and incorporate more hydrogen-powered units. Barcelona, for its part, already has a fleet of more than 50 buses powered by renewable hydrogen, in addition to an expanding network of refueling points.
Cutting-edge projects and initial results in national urban transport
Spain's push is translating into concrete initiatives and significant figures in urban public transportation . Municipal plans foresee the gradual acquisition of more hydrogen buses, as is happening in cities like Burgos, which plans to add five new vehicles in 2026. The main objective is to renew fleets and reduce dependence on highly polluting traditional technologies, thus moving closer to European standards for sustainable mobility. Palma de Mallorca, Zaragoza, Málaga, and Oviedo are also joining the rollout of hydrogen-powered buses, demonstrating that this shift is not exclusive to major cities.
Technological modernization also entails significant logistical challenges. The installation of hydrogen refueling stations and the adaptation of garages emerge as strategic issues to be resolved, since autonomy and refueling management are key factors for the success of the new fleets.
The commitment to green hydrogen in trains and rail transport
Hydrogen is poised to transform public rail transport as well , especially on routes and lines where electrification is not feasible. The HyceRail project in Villablino (León) is a prime example: it involves adapting old diesel trains with internal combustion engines powered by locally produced green hydrogen. This conversion allows for the reuse of existing infrastructure and breathes new life into historic lines, while also boosting the local economy and promoting sustainability in areas particularly affected by the energy transition.
The active participation of local administrations and agents underlines the collective commitment to cleaner and more robust rail mobility, while providing future solutions for the territory.
Hydrogen in maritime and air transport: new frontiers
The maritime sector is also looking to green hydrogen as an alternative to the challenges of decarbonization. Projects like the hybrid ferry “Cap de Barbaria,” which connects Ibiza and Formentera, show that, although still in the pioneering phase, emissions reductions are already being achieved thanks to the introduction of hydrogen fuel cells in port operations.
In air transport, although initiatives such as Airbus' ZEROe aircraft have suffered delays, forecasts indicate that in the future hydrogen will play a strategic role in the decarbonization of aviation , both through the development of sustainable fuels (SAF) and specific technologies.
Regulatory challenges and infrastructure: the case of Colombia
The legislative framework and infrastructure development are fundamental ingredients for green hydrogen to become established in public transportation . Colombia, for example, is moving forward with the approval of a Hydrogen Law that aims to regulate and promote its use in public transport. The country is experimenting with the first hydrogen bus destined for its TransMilenio system in Bogotá, whose entry into operation is still contingent upon testing, authorizations, and regulatory development to ensure safety and technical viability.
The Colombian project illustrates the importance of specific incentives and investments in refueling infrastructure to facilitate wider adoption. Partnerships between public agencies, companies, and industry associations are key to making green hydrogen a viable option for public transportation in Latin America.
Europe and investment in hydrogen: overview and prospects
The European Commission's plans, framed within the REPowerEU strategy, envision the consumption of millions of tons of renewable hydrogen in the transport sector by 2030. Spain plays a leading role, but it is not the only country committed to moving in this direction. Germany and Austria, through projects in Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Vienna, are developing large-scale hydrogen production plants and deploying infrastructure to supply both urban public transport and the industrial sector . These initiatives are typically supported by strategic partnerships and European funding, as well as certification systems and digital platforms to guarantee traceability and security of supply.
Coordinating the production, distribution, storage, and end use of green hydrogen enables progress toward cleaner, more resilient, and self-sufficient collective mobility . The rise of this energy carrier responds to both environmental objectives and the need to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Green hydrogen is no longer a distant promise but a reality in public transportation , although its expansion will require addressing the remaining technological, logistical, and regulatory challenges. Spain, with its ecosystem of pioneering projects and close collaboration between government and businesses, is positioning itself at the forefront of the green transition in mobility. The future of public transportation points to the coexistence of different technologies, but green hydrogen is already establishing itself as an essential ally for achieving cleaner and more sustainable cities and routes in the medium and long term.
