Autor
Léonard Lefranc
Doctorando en la Universidad Pontificia de Comillas ICAI
Autor
José Ignacio Linares
Director de la Cátedra Fundación Repsol en Transición Energética en la Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICAI)
Autor
Ana María Santos
Profesor Propio Agregado en la Universidad Pontificia de Comillas ICAI
Autor
Eva Arenas
Profesora y Directora de la Cátedra Rafael Mariño de Nuevas Tecnologías Energéticas en Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICAI
Autor
Carlos Martín
Profesor Colaborador Asociado en la Universidad Pontificia de Comillas ICAI
Autor
Yolanda Moratilla
Profesor Propio Adjunto en la Universidad Pontificia de Comillas ICAI
This study proposes a revolutionary scenario for Madrid's buses: taking advantage of urban solid waste (USW) to generate biomethane, which is then transformed into biohydrogen. This sustainable fuel can power a hybrid fleet that combines fuel cell buses with current internal combustion buses.
Why is it important?
- 60% of the urban fleet could run on biohydrogen.
- Negative emissions from biohydrogen would offset those of the remaining 40% of natural gas buses.
- Existing infrastructure is maintained, which reduces costs and speeds up implementation.
Carbon neutrality with double circularity 🌱🔁
The proposal not only seeks to neutralize carbon emissions, but also maximizes the circular economy. How?
- Revalued organic waste: The organic matter of MSW generates biomethane, avoiding its inefficient decomposition.
- Optimization of current resources: 40% of the current natural gas fleet is conserved, achieving emissions neutrality.
This study shows that it is not necessary to replace the entire fleet to be sustainable. 💡
Is it profitable? Biohydrogen versus fossil fuels 📊
One of the key points of the study is the economic competitiveness of the hybrid model. When the CO₂ tax and natural gas prices are considered, this technology is not only sustainable, but can also outperform buses completely powered by fossil fuels in profitability.
Main advantages:
- Reduction of long-term operating costs.
- Utilization of existing infrastructure.
- Potential to replicate the model in other cities.
- Although biohydrogen emerges as a powerful option, the path towards sustainable urban mobility must remain open to various technological routes. This ensures the flexibility needed to adapt to future advances and the particularities of each city.
This model demonstrates that, by taking advantage of local resources, great advances can be made towards sustainable and economic mobility., great advances can be made towards sustainable and economic mobility. 🌟
This is a model that can not only be implemented in Madrid, but can lead a revolution in urban transport, combining sustainability and profitability.