A $2.9 billion Green Hydrogen Plant in Chile
Siemens and Verano Energy launch a $2.9 billion green hydrogen project in Chile
Hydrogen racing enters the big time with the first ever Extreme H world championship
ZeroAvia showcases the world’s first compressor for aviation fuel cell systems
Ballard Power Systems receives large-scale orders for its hydrogen fuel cell engine
Mr. Bean tries a hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Yaris H2 Concept car
News to watch closely
Siemens and Verano Energy sign a $2.9 billion agreement to build a green hydrogen production facility in Chile. The project, named “Los Amigos del Verano”, will be located in the Taltal commune in the Antofagasta region. The project, structured in four phases, will see the production of 10 hydrogen generation plants, yielding a combined output of 25 GW.
An approximately 100 km long pipeline will transport hydrogen and ammonia from the plant to a coastal marine storage and distribution facility. A desalination plant is also planned in order to supply the water needed for hydrogen production. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the first phase operational by 2027 and the final one by 2033.
H2X Global secures a $57 million cornerstone investment agreement to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Australia’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Equipment company, H2X Global - receives a $57 million investment from US-based energy company Verde Mobility with an initial investment of $3.4 million. H2X aims to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles at a commercially viable scale and cost, both domestically and internationally.
The investment will also support the firm's planned listing on the London Stock Exchange and finance the delivery of $35.7 million worth of vehicle orders. H2X aims to unlock its global book of purchase intent agreements, totaling $300 million and covering 800 vehicles.
Extreme E, the leading off-road racing series, has announced that it will launch a hydrogen-powered category in 2025. The Extreme H series is set to become the first-ever hydrogen racing FIA world championship by 2026. A hydrogen racing vehicle has already run this year with the introduction of a new powertrain. It is still unclear if the Extreme E electric off-road racing will continue or not.
We are very excited to announce that the Monaco Prize for Innovation in Renewable Hydrogen and Transportation is now open for applications! The prize is now in its second year, and is held in partnership with ENOWA.NEOM.
Companies to keep an eye out for…
ZeroAvia, the British-American hydrogen-electric aircraft developer, unveils the world's first compressor for aviation fuel cell systems. This new model will enable the delivery of the high flow of oxygen needed for a hydrogen fuel cell powered propulsion system. The compressor has a high power density supporting up to 900kW Fuel cell systems. The technology will be a key part of their first two hydrogen electric motors, which will enable the launch of a 9-19 seat aircraft in 2025 and a 40-80 seat aircraft in 2027.
Additionally, ZeroAvia announces a partnership with UAE’s renewable energy company, Masdar, aimed at the production and supply of sustainable hydrogen for flight operations. Securing a reliable supply of hydrogen is essential for the operation of ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric powertrain and other fuel cell-based aviation propulsion systems. The partnership will initially focus on projects in North America and Europe, with potential expansion to the UAE.
Equatic’s latest innovation: generating green hydrogen with carbon dioxide. U.S. based startup, Equatic develops an innovative technology that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while generating green hydrogen. This potentially breakthrough technology leverages seawater electrolysis for carbon dioxide removal to produce green energy.
The company's technology works by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ocean. The CO2 is then permanently sequestered, effectively removing it from the atmosphere. Simultaneously, the process generates green hydrogen. The ocean-based device provides a two-pronged approach to tackling climate change: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing sustainable energy.
The Monaco Hydrogen Alliance is excited to announce the second edition of its annual flagship gathering, The Monaco Hydrogen Forum. Benefit from super early-bird pricing when you register before September 20 to save more than 50% off on your pass.
Land transportation
Ballard Power Systems, a provider of hydrogen fuel cell solutions, has received multiple orders from Poland’s Solaris Bus & Coach, for a total of 96 hydrogen fuel cell engines.
The first engines will be delivered in late 2023, with most deliveries completed by the end of 2024. Over half will be deployed in Güstrow, Germany, by the local public transport operator, Rebus Regionalbus Rostock. Hydrogen refueling stations will also be built in Güstrow and Bad Doberan to support the new bus fleet. The remaining 44 buses will be deployed in several other European cities, bringing Solaris’ total number of hydrogen powered buses to 110.
India's National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has started a trial run of hydrogen buses in the Himalayan city, Leh. The first hydrogen bus reached Leh on August 17, as part of a three-month-long process of field trials, roadworthiness tests, and other statutory clearances.
The project is part of NTPC's concerted efforts towards achieving carbon-neutrality in the region of Ladakh. It includes a hydrogen fueling station and a captive solar plant of 1.7 megawatts for producing green hydrogen. The trial run of these hydrogen buses is a first in India.
The government of Malinauskas in South Australia plans to introduce hybrid trains and hydrogen buses. The project includes a two-year hydrogen bus trial involving two vehicles, which have been deployed on routes across Adelaide starting in August 2023.
Initial testing of a prototype hybrid-diesel railcar is also progressing well. A second railcar fitted with new energy storage and recovery systems is being developed and will soon be introduced into passenger service. Once fully installed, Adelaide Metro anticipates reducing its emission by an estimated 2,400 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Maritime
Japan’s Yanmar Power Technology (YPT) announced the commercialization of its maritime hydrogen fuel cell system. The system will have the potential to power various types of ships, including passenger boats, service vessels, and cargo ships.
Aviation
Finavia, the Finnish airport operator, has started using hydrogen as a power source for heavy-duty airport vehicles: The initiative, launched at Helsinki Airport, is part of the HyAirport Hydrogen Project, which aims to promote the use of hydrogen at airports and develop the necessary infrastructure for its distribution. The HyAirport project is a European initiative aiming to reduce fossil fuel use at airports in the Baltic Sea region.
Finavia also operates 20 other airports across Finland in addition to Helsinki Airport. The company is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations and has already reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 90% since 2010. The introduction of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles at Helsinki Airport is expected to further accelerate this trend.
A drive into the future
Rowan Atkinson replaces his 1977 Leyland Cars Mini with a much more sustainable model: a Toyota GR Yaris H2 Concept car