Renewable hydrogen buses launch in Cannes area: 41 buses, local electrolysis, treated wastewater

The Cannes Lérins Agglomeration has launched the first 14 of 41 hydrogen buses on the Palm Bus network, powered by locally produced renewable hydrogen from water electrolysis. The hydrogen station uses grid electricity and treated wastewater from the Aquaviva treatment plant, producing hydrogen with zero CO2 emissions at the point of use. The project aims to prevent 3,228 tons of CO2 per year and covers 2.6 million kilometers annually with zero tailpipe emissions. The station cost over 15 million euros, with bus purchases totaling 35 million euros. Financing comes from Hynamics (EDF group), the Cannes Lérins Agglomeration, Banque des Territoires, Green Energy 06, plus grants from ADEME, the EU Connecting Europe Facility, and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region. The buses have a range over 300 km and recharge in about 15 minutes. The Palm Bus network has been fully decarbonized since 2023 using electricity and biofuels alongside this hydrogen rollout.