Mentions:
1: Kenny MacAskill (Alba - East Lothian) I know that we are looking at electric buses, but I will come on to argue for hydrogen buses, which Alexander - Speech Link
Asked by: Regan, Ash (Alba Party - Edinburgh Eastern)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to (a) encourage and (b) incentivise the production of hydrogen buses by Scotland-based manufacturers.
Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport
Through Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government provides a range of different types of support to Alexander Dennis Ltd, including for the development of zero emission buses.
In addition, the Scottish Government has been working to transform the market for zero emission buses in Scotland through the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB). This funding programme has been designed to incentivise the adoption of zero emission buses and their supporting infrastructure, increasing the size of the domestic market and encouraging increased levels of private investment. ScotZEB has been designed in collaboration with bus operators and industry, including Alexander Dennis Ltd.
However, while hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and their supporting infrastructure were eligible for funding through ScotZEB, it is up to individual bus operators to decide what type of zero emission vehicle best suits their circumstances. No bids have been received for hydrogen fuel cell buses through ScotZEB.
Mentions:
1: Paul Blomfield (Lab - Sheffield Central) electric buses, and exploring the potential of hydrogen. - Speech Link
2: Anthony Browne (Con - South Cambridgeshire) Members mentioned hydrogen buses. - Speech Link
Asked by: Regan, Ash (Alba Party - Edinburgh Eastern)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions (a) it and (b) its agencies have had with (i) the UK Government, (ii) local authorities, (ii) devolved nations and (iv) other countries on the purchase of hydrogen buses manufactured in Scotland.
Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport
The Scottish Government participates in the UK Hydrogen Propulsion Manufacturing Taskforce. The taskforce works to develop recommendations on how government and industry can maximise investment opportunities for the UK manufacturing of hydrogen propulsion systems. This has included reference to the opportunities for hydrogen fuel cell buses. The taskforce has been paused during the pre-election period for the UK general election.
As set out in our Hydrogen Action Plan, hydrogen in the transport sector could act as a complementary energy alongside battery electrification, providing an option to parts of the transport sector such as heavy duty vehicles, when battery electrification is challenging. However, it is up to individual bus operating companies to determine what type of zero emission vehicles best suits their particular circumstances, and for manufacturers to respond to that demand in the way that they think is most appropriate.
Asked by: Regan, Ash (Alba Party - Edinburgh Eastern)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether the £4.65 million awarded through the Energy Transition Fund to Aberdeen City Council to expand its hydrogen bus fleet was used to purchase hydrogen buses that were manufactured in Scotland.
Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport
Hydrogen fuel cell buses in Aberdeen supported by grant funding from the Scottish Government were not manufactured in Scotland. State aid and subsequent subsidy control rules mean that grant conditions could not specify which vehicle supplier the bus operator should use.
Mentions:
1: Bill Wiggin (Con - North Herefordshire) I will come to buses in a moment. - Speech Link
2: Paul Howell (Con - Sedgefield) little buses, thin buses, big buses or whatever. - Speech Link
3: Bill Wiggin (Con - North Herefordshire) I will get on to the subject of buses, but my hon. - Speech Link
Mar. 21 2024
Source Page: Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub: successful biddersFound: Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub: successful bidders
Asked by: Regan, Ash (Alba Party - Edinburgh Eastern)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how much support it has provided in (a) grant funding and (b) loan guarantees to Scotland-based manufacturers for the purposes of manufacturing hydrogen buses in Scotland.
Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport
Through Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government provides a range of different types of support to Alexander Dennis Ltd, including for the development of zero emission buses.
Feb. 27 2024
Source Page: Boost for UK hydrogen as government backs world-leading industryFound: Boost for UK hydrogen as government backs world-leading industry
Asked by: Regan, Ash (Alba Party - Edinburgh Eastern)
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Scotland-based manufacturers on (a) the manufacture and (b) marketing in (i) the UK and (ii) international markets of hydrogen buses manufactured in Scotland.
Answered by Hyslop, Fiona - Minister for Transport
Through Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government has regular discussions with Scotland-based vehicle manufacturers, including bus manufacturers, about opportunities for hydrogen fuel cell and other types of zero emission vehicles in the UK and international markets.