ITM to launch 'zero emission' public transport for French city

ITM Power said France was set to deploy the first "zero emission" bus route in the southern city of Pau.

The hydrogen powered buses operated by local transport companies SMTU-PPP and STAP will hit the road in September 2019 and will operate between the city's hospital and railway station.

ITM said the eight 18-metre electric buses would be manufactured by European firm Van Hool due to its previous experience in hydrogen mobility having produced more than 50 fuel cell electric vehicles to date.

No greenhouse gasses will be emitted from the vehicles and will instead only release water vapour into the atmosphere and take roughly 10 minutes to receive enough charge to cover a distance of 350km.

The alternative fuel sources supplied by ITM Power will be distributed via GNVERT subsidiary, Engie.

Graham Cooley, chief executive of ITM, said "We are looking forward to supporting GNVERT, VanHool and the City of Pau in this important hydrogen bus project. The hydrogen bus market is growing rapidly and it is a great pleasure to be working with such an important group of leaders on this major step forward in France."

France had previously pledged to stop the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.

ITM shares had gained 5.76% and were sitting at 33.05p as of 0930 BST.