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Poland's Hydrogen Bus Dream: Costly Reality Check
18 May
Summary
- Poland's hydrogen buses face soaring fuel costs and poor infrastructure.
- Electric buses are more cost-effective and less polluting.
- Germany is a success story for hydrogen public transport.
A recent report by the Central and Eastern Europe Bankwatch Network highlights significant challenges with Poland's investment in hydrogen-powered buses. Many Polish municipalities embraced hydrogen, attracted by subsidies that covered higher purchase costs compared to electric buses. However, operational experience revealed dramatically more expensive fuel costs for hydrogen than electricity.
Cities like Rybnik reported hydrogen bus operating costs more than three times higher than diesel, and Rzeszów projected 15-year fuel expenses exceeding the bus purchase price. As of April 2026, Poland had 247 hydrogen buses deployed or contracted, with only nine refueling stations against a target of 32.
In contrast, Germany has successfully implemented over 600 hydrogen public transport buses. The report also questions the 'green' status of buses fueled by non-renewable hydrogen, which is primarily produced from fossil gas. Poland's electricity grid is transitioning to renewables, but coal still accounts for about half of its production.
Several Polish cities, including Kraków and Wrocław, have scaled back hydrogen ambitions, opting for electric vehicles due to lower risks and costs. While Poland received new EU funds in April 2026, including €500 million for hydrogen investments, the future prioritization between electric and hydrogen buses remains uncertain.
