Hydrogen buses power green face of Beijing 2022 Winter Games

Hydrogen-powered buses have been put into use for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, marking a milestone for China's hydrogen power industry and showcasing the country's green concept for the Games.

According to Zhang Yinguang, who is in charge of the hydrogen power business for the State Power Investment Corp, a national energy giant, about 150 hydrogen-powered buses, developed and manufactured by the company, have been put into use for the Games in downtown Beijing and suburban Yanqing.

Some 60 vehicles are being used in the Yanqing bubble, mainly to transport IOC officials, staff and volunteers, he said.

"The low temperatures and the high attitude in the area posed a challenge for the vehicles," Zhang said, adding that the highest point the clean energy buses reach in Yanqing is about 2,000 meters.

The route follows a narrow mountainous section, stretching for 7 kilometer with four sharp turns, on which it is difficult for two vehicles to pass each other. This requires that the buses work well at all times. If one breaks down in the middle of the road, it will cause a traffic jam, Zhang said, adding that zero breakdowns is the goal.