The transition to clean energy in public transport is advancing steadily in Spain and internationally.While Europe is setting a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, the green hydrogen It is emerging as one of the key pillars for decarbonizing a sector responsible for a significant portion of COâ‚‚ emissions. In this context, cities, governments, and companies are exploring innovative solutions and deploying the first sustainable mobility services supported by this technology.
In Spain, the commitment to green hydrogen in public transport is increasingly visible.After abandoning the use of fossil fuels in part of their fleets, cities like Madrid and Barcelona are openly investing in this energy source. Madrid, for example, has eliminated diesel buses and operates with gas, electric, and early hydrogen vehicles, while the EMT (Metropolitan Transport Company) is adding new lines and hopes 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 charging stations.
Cutting-edge projects and initial results in national urban transport
The Spanish drive translates into concrete initiatives and significant figures in urban collective mobility.Municipal plans call for the gradual acquisition of more hydrogen buses, as is the case in cities like Burgos, which plans to add five new vehicles by 2026. The main objective is to renew the fleets and reduce dependence on highly polluting traditional technologies, thus approaching European sustainable mobility standards. 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 stations and the adaptation of garages They arise as strategic issues to be resolved, since autonomy and refueling management are key factors for the success of new fleets.
The commitment to green hydrogen in trains and rail transport
Hydrogen is also called to transform collective rail transport, 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 using internal combustion engines powered by green hydrogen Locally produced. This conversion enables the reuse of existing infrastructure and gives new life to 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 with cleaner and more robust rail mobility, while providing future solutions for the region.
Hydrogen in maritime and air transport: new frontiers
The maritime sector is also looking towards green hydrogen as an alternative to the challenges of decarbonisation. Projects such as the hybrid ferry "Cap de Barbaria" connecting Ibiza and Formentera show that, although still in the pioneering phase, Emission reduction is 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 Key ingredients for green hydrogen to become established in public transportColombia, for example, is making progress in approving a Hydrogen Law that aims to regulate and promote its use in public transportation. The country is experimenting with the first hydrogen bus for its Transmilenio system in Bogotá, whose entry into operation is still subject to testing, authorizations, and regulatory development to ensure safety and technical feasibility.
The Colombian project illustrates the importance of having specific incentives and investments in charging infrastructure to facilitate larger-scale adoption. Partnerships between public agencies, companies, and industry associations are key to making green hydrogen a solid option in Latin American public transport.
Europe and investment in hydrogen: overview and prospects
The European Commission's plans, framed within the REPowerEU strategy, contemplate a 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 determined to move 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 sectorThese initiatives are often supported by strategic partnerships and European funds, as well as certification systems and digital platforms to ensure traceability and security of supply.
Coordination between production, distribution, storage and final use of green hydrogen allows progress towards a cleaner, more resilient and self-sufficient collective mobilityThe rise of this energy source 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 transport., although its expansion will require addressing the technological, logistical, and regulatory challenges that remain. Spain, with an ecosystem of pioneering projects and close collaboration between governments and companies, is positioned at the forefront of the green transition in mobility. The future of public transport 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.
