Kawasaki reveals world’s first hydrogen-powered sports bike
Hyundai, Kia and W. L. Gore to develop the next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology;
Pre-feasibility study launched for Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor;
New Alstom hydrogen powered trains to be deployed in Italy;
Australia's first hydrogen powered plane to take flight this year.
News to watch closely…
Hyundai and Kia to develop next gen hydrogen fuel cells with W. L. Gore. Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have announced a collaboration with American manufacturer W. L. Gore & Associates to develop an advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), a key component in hydrogen fuel cell systems. The three companies have been partners in fuel cell technology for over 15 years - this new venture is proof of their commitment to innovating fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles through enhanced performances and durability.
A pre-feasibility study is launched in anticipation of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor, aiming to connect green energy producers in Northern Europe with main consumption centers in Central Europe. This endeavor is carried out by six gas transmission system operators – Gasgrid Finland, Estonia’s Elering, Conexus Baltic Grid of Latvia, Amber Grid of Lithuania, Poland’s GAZ-SYSTEM, and Germany’s ONTRAS. Sweden’s Management Consultancy, AFRY will be providing the necessary measures and assessments for building the cross-border hydrogen infrastructures.
The Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor is anticipated to be complete in 2030.
Fresh off the press, take a look at the Monaco Hydrogen Forum ‘23, Post-Event Report. Read the letter from the President, the key moments and takeaways, features in media, and a special thanks to our partners.
The success of this edition is attributed to its exceptional array of speakers, the participation of distinguished guests from over 32 countries, and the unwavering support of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance’s members. Their collective contributions not only inspire continued growth but also play a crucial role in achieving significant milestones.
Land Transportation
Japan’s Kawasaki reveals the prototype for its first hydrogen powered motorcycle. The Ninja H2 HySE is a hydrogen adaptation of Kawasaki's existing supercharged Ninja H2 SX sports tourer.
While the prototype is constructed by Kawasaki and inspired by its existing model, it was the outcome of a joint effort by the cooperative team of Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine (HySe). This technology research group is comprised of other Japanese manufacturers, such as Honda, Suzuki, Toyota and Yamaha. They come together in developing hydrogen-powered motorcycles, each having a different role researching manufacturing mechanisms.
Kawasaki is targeting a launch for hydrogen-engine motorcycles in the early 2030s. Test runs for the prototype will commence at the beginning of the year.
Railway
Hydrogen-powered trains on the rise in Italy. Two of Alstom’s Coradia Stream H have recently been ordered by Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) to replace existing diesel trains deployed in the Italian Region Puglia. Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) has also ordered two Coradia Stream H trains, in addition to six already deployed in 2020.
The Coradia Stream H trains are based on Alstom’s single-deck Coradia Stream regional train platform and are manufactured in Italy.
Aviation
Australia's first hydrogen powered flight to take off this year. The iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre, Stralis Aircraft, and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are collaborating on a project that will see Australia's first hydrogen-powered aircraft take to the skies in 2024. The Beechcraft Bonanza A36 aircraft will be fitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system (HEPS), developed by Brisbane-based Stralis Aircraft. The aircraft is set to be showcased to world leaders and global business elites should Australia co-host climate summit COP 31 in 2026, and it is also expected to transport athletes during the Brisbane Summer Olympics in 2032.