Initial findings from last week’s (January 2) fire in Belfort, France, have confirmed that the incident was unrelated to the hydrogen fuel cell buses at the depot, according to reports.
Instead, an interview carried out by French media outlet Mobily-Cités with Yannick Monnier, Director of the Belfort Territory Transport Authority, suggested that initial analysis shows the fire was electrically generated, although Monnier added that it was too early to confirm.
The Director reaffirmed the effectiveness of hydrogen-powered buses and the safety mechanisms on board. “All the safety systems on the hydrogen buses worked perfectly,” Monnier told the French media.
“The flares that fed the fire came from burning plastics and other materials, unrelated to the hydrogen flames, which were quickly dissipated by the safety devices.
“This incident will not question Belfort’s hydrogen strategy.”
H2 View understands that the transport authority will continue with its plans to power 50% of its bus fleet with hydrogen by 2025.
The fire occurred on January 2 and ultimately destroyed or damaged seven hydrogen fuel cell buses located at the French depot, although no injuries were reported.
Read more: No injuries reported after fire destroys seven hydrogen buses in France
Local reports stated that the fire broke out at around 2:30 a.m. local time, and loud explosions could be heard several kilometres away.
What we know about the site
McPhy has confirmed that a hydrogen production and distribution station supplied by the French green hydrogen firm is located around 100 metres from the depot but remained undamaged and unaffected.
Operated by EDF subsidiary Hynamics, the site was inaugurated in 2024, boasting 1MW of hydrogen production capacity and a refuelling station to deliver hydrogen to vehicles at 350 bar.
Optymo initially deployed seven hydrogen-fuelled buses from Van Hool with plans to expand the fleet to 27 buses.
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