In Dunkerque, two buses run on hythane
Two vehicles from the network DK’Bus have covered several thousands of kilometres since the 1st of December 2008. No mechanical incidents have been recorded, the test drivers are very satisfied, the energetic output remains unchanged (hythane does not create any over consumption) and the first environmental assessment was favourable (reduction of CO2 emissions by 10% and by 30% for hydrocarbon).
In light of these results, the Regional Directorate for the Environment, Spatial planning and Housing (Direction régionale de l’environnement, de l’aménagement et du logement) has authorised the second phase of testing, this time with passengers on board.
The hydrogen station – the first public station in France – is on the DK’Bus site to produce the natural gas and hydrogen mixture, which is made up of 20% hydrogen and 200 bar of compressed natural gas originating from the existing station.
Due to its role as major energetic platform, the area of the Metropolitan Council of Dunkeque became the pilot site for this trial, entitled “Althytude”.