Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, along with representatives from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Hamburg, British Columbia and London, outlining the establishment of an international working group committed to promoting hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

Ms MacTiernan said the Memorandum of Understanding and formation of the working group was a vital step towards the commercialisation of hydrogen-powered public transport.

"The working group will aim to demonstrate the existence of potential global markets for hydrogen-powered bus technologies to suppliers of hydrogen buses and refuelling infrastructure," she said.

"We hope this will encourage these suppliers to commercialise hydrogen buses as soon as possible.”

The Minister said the decision to join the international alliance was built on Western Australia’s successful trial of three hydrogen fuel cell buses - the first such trial in the southern hemisphere.

"The State Government is committed to developing sustainable transport systems which have minimal impact on our environment,” she said.

“While the State's economy is booming, we need to plan for the future and make investment decisions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We have a responsibility to future generations to ensure public transport is as clean and green as possible, and we believe hydrogen will play an important role in the inevitable transition from fossil fuels.”

The working group plan to have hydrogen buses operating in public transport fleets from 2008.