Jo Bamford is on a mission: to see 3,000 hydrogen-powered buses in the UK by 2024.
He owns Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus, which today produces hydrogen and electric buses. He also founded his green hydrogen company Ryze Hydrogen.
Today more than 30 hydrogen buses are running on UK city streets and have already saved more than 600 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The Wrightbus, StreetDeck Hydroliner, has a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain that allows the bus to travel up to 280 miles.
It was designed to meet the demands of both bus companies, drivers and passengers.
It was developed as part of the JIVE project funded by the European Union (Joint Initiative for Hydrogen Vehicles across Europe).
“Imagine the CO2 savings that would be saved by having 3,000 hydrogen buses in operation,” he said. “And that’s only 10% of the entire UK bus fleet.”
When Jo Bamford bought Wrightbus, the company had just 56 staff. Today it’s close to 1,000.
“We’re incredibly proud of the part our buses are playing in the UK’s race to net zero,” said managing director Neil Collins.
Hydrogen needs heroes
The hydrogen transition requires individuals, companies and governments with the know-how, belief, financial clout and desire to prove hydrogen’s case
Thanks to a growing number of companies, hydrogen-powered trains, buses, cars, planes are now becoming a reality. We’re here to champion and work with them.