Ohmium International Selected as Electrolyzer Supplier for Lewis County Transit’s Zero Emission Network
In a significant step towards sustainable public transportation, Ohmium International has been chosen as the electrolyzer supplier for Lewis County Transit’s ambitious zero-emission transportation network. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the transition to cleaner, greener public transit solutions in the Pacific Northwest.
The Project Overview
The first project under this collaboration will see Ohmium install a state-of-the-art 900 kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system at a new zero-emission transit station in Lewis County, Washington. This innovative system will harness city water and clean electricity from the grid to produce green hydrogen, which will serve as fuel for Lewis County’s expanding fleet of hydrogen-powered buses. By generating hydrogen on-site, Ohmium’s electrolyzers will streamline logistics and eliminate the need for fuel delivery, enhancing operational efficiency.
Green Hydrogen Production Capacity
Ohmium’s self-contained electrolyzer system is capable of producing up to 400 kilograms (approximately 0.44 short tons) of green hydrogen per day. This output is sufficient to fuel ten hydrogen buses, significantly bolstering Lewis County Transit’s capabilities. The installation at the Lewis County station is touted as the first of its kind in the region, representing a major milestone in the shift towards zero-emission public transportation.
Benefits of Hydrogen-Powered Buses
Joe Clark, the executive director of Lewis County Transit, emphasized the advantages of hydrogen-powered buses, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. “We have found that hydrogen-powered buses are extremely well suited for the Pacific Northwest – they perform well in cold climates, with a range that is almost double that of electric vehicles,” he stated. The partnership with Ohmium is seen as a perfect fit, as their comprehensive electrolyzer solution is designed to meet the specific needs of the transit authority, ensuring high efficiency and a compact footprint to accommodate the limited space available.
Future Expansion Plans
The new transit station is expected to be operational by the summer of 2025, and it will play a crucial role in supporting the expansion of Lewis County Transit’s hydrogen-powered vehicle fleet. Currently, the fleet consists of three buses, with plans to increase this number to ten by 2030. This growth reflects a broader commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation options in the region.
Ohmium’s Commitment to Sustainability
Ohmium CEO Arne Ballantine highlighted the transformative potential of green hydrogen in public transport. “Green hydrogen-powered public transport drastically reduces emissions and can make that sector even more sustainable,” he remarked. He further noted that Ohmium’s solutions are particularly well-suited for public transport stations, as they can be installed on-site, outdoors, and in various climatic conditions, including cold, hot, and rainy environments. The hyper-modular design of their technology allows for rapid installation, with timelines measured in weeks rather than months.
Looking Ahead
As Lewis County Transit embarks on this pioneering project, the collaboration with Ohmium International is poised to set a precedent for future green hydrogen refueling stations across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The integration of renewable energy and grid optimization within Ohmium’s technology underscores the potential for cost-effective and sustainable public transportation solutions.
In conclusion, the partnership between Ohmium International and Lewis County Transit represents a significant leap forward in the quest for zero-emission public transport. With the installation of the PEM electrolyzer system, Lewis County is not only enhancing its transit capabilities but also paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in public transportation. As this project unfolds, it will undoubtedly serve as a model for other regions looking to embrace green hydrogen technology in their transit systems.