L'ATFCAN dans l'actualité

March/April 2007 - Case Study: Senate of Canada
As published in Government Purchasing Guide, March/April 2007
By Peter Saunders
In December 2006, the Senate of Canada’s fleet in Ottawa reportedly became the first in the country to receive a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine fleet vehicle. Ford of Canada delivered the first of three shuttle buses to Parliament Hill, featuring internal combustion engines designed to produce nearly zero emissions. The vehicles are replacing existing gasoline-powered buses during a specified testing period.
The delivery of the first bus was followed by the second and third in February 2007. Together, they comprise a new environmental pilot project that is scheduled to continue until March 31, 2008. The three buses have been put into everyday use, joining the existing shuttle bus fleet and transporting parliamentarians and staff between buildings in the Parliamentary Precinct. In essence, the Senate is providing the venue for testing this new technology as part of its ongoing environmental initiatives.
The $8.5-million ‘Hydrogen on the Hill’ Shuttle Bus Demonstration Project reportedly marks the first time hydrogen alone is fuelling internal combustion engines in shuttle buses operating within Canada in actual driving conditions. It involves an investment of $4.2 million from Industry Canada, under its Hydrogen Early Adopters (H2EA) program. In addition to the three Parliament Hill vehicles, it also involves seven more buses that will be used across Canada later this year.
Ford of Canada, based in Oakville, Ont., is undertaking the project in partnership with Ottawa-based Advanced Technologies & Fuels Canada (ATFCAN), a non-profit group that promotes the use of cleaner energy technologies. ATFCAN’s project support role began in 2004 and initially involved working with Ford to secure commitments for the demonstration and addressing implementation issues with the Senate to bring the project forward.
“We’re acting as co-ordinators,” says Rodney Semotiuk, president and CEO of ATFCAN. “We’ve helped organize the project with the Senate, implemented training, involved first responders and arranged for insurance coverage, maintenance, support and fuelling services. We’re also operating the communications and outreach program with Ford and the Senate to raise awareness of this project. The buses are the first point of contact for outreach. It’s a good way to promote the adoption of cleaner technologies and is important in that hydrogen is key to sustainable transportation.” suite