How Polish Cities Are Wasting EU Funds on Hydrogen Buses — Ignoring Energy Efficiency First
Key Takeaway
The systemic failure to apply the Energy Efficiency First principle in EU-funded public transport projects underscores a critical challenge in policy implementation, leading to less efficient energy choices and potential misallocation of resources that impact overall energy demand and market dynamics.
AI Summary
- •Polish cities are procuring hydrogen buses using EU funds, with 7 out of 8 projects failing to conduct energy or cost-efficiency comparisons against battery-electric buses (BEVs).
- •This indicates a systemic failure to apply the 'Energy Efficiency First' (EE1st) principle, despite its explicit mandate in EU law, leading to potential misallocation of public funds and less cost-effective energy solutions.
- •For developers and large power consumers, this highlights a market where less efficient energy vectors are being chosen for public transport, potentially leading to higher overall energy demand and operational costs for the sector.
- •The article points to a significant gap in the enforcement and practical application of energy efficiency policies within EU-funded projects, suggesting a need for stricter oversight or clearer guidelines for public procurement.
- •The choice of hydrogen over more efficient direct electrification for transport implies a less optimized energy system, potentially impacting future grid planning and the overall energy mix required to meet 'green' transport goals.
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Article Content
My comparative review of eight Polish municipal projects purchasing hydrogen buses under the EU-funded Green Public Transport program reveals a systemic failure to apply the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle. Seven out of eight cities skipped any energy or cost-efficiency comparison with battery-electric buses (BEVs), even though EU law explicitly ... [continued] The post How Polish Cities Are Wasting EU Funds on Hydrogen Buses — Ignoring Energy Efficiency First appeared first on CleanTechnica .