Autor
Léonard Lefranc
PhD student at the Pontifical University of Comillas ICAI
Autor
José Ignacio Linares
Director of the Repsol Foundation Chair in Energy Transition at the Comillas Pontifical University (ICAI)
Autor
Ana María Santos
Associate Professor at the Pontifical University of Comillas ICAI
Autor
Eva Arenas
Professor and Director of the Rafael Mariño Chair of New Energy Technologies at the Pontifical University Comillas ICAI
Autor
Carlos Martín
Associate Professor at the Pontifical University of Comillas ICAI
Autor
Yolanda Moratilla
Adjunct Professor at the Pontifical University of 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.