Driving Hydrogen®

UK Government reveals Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: What does it mean for hydrogen? 🇬🇧⚡️ The UK government has announced its landmark Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, aiming to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2030. The strategy includes £40billion in annual investment, the creation of 480,000 jobs, and a targeted reduction in consumer energy bills, all whilst enhancing energy security and cutting carbon emissions. Downing Street’s ambitious plan is to reshape the UK’s energy landscape, making the UK a global leader in clean power technology. At the heart of the plan is an overhaul of the UK’s energy infrastructure, including a long-awaited restructuring of the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The Government will centralise energy management and introduce cutting-edge technology, aiming to ensure that renewable energy is effectively distributed across the country. No. 10 plans to replace the outdated ‘first-come, first-served’ grid connection model with a project-readiness prioritisation system, clearing a backlog of 739 GW of clean energy projects. This upgrade will streamline project approvals, reduce delays, and create new opportunities for renewable energy companies. Hydrogen production facilities will benefit from faster grid connections through a streamlined project-readiness prioritisation system, where projects with secured funding, advanced planning permissions, and clear timelines will be prioritised. The system will be managed through regular performance reviews and transparent criteria set by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to ensure fairness and efficiency in project selection. For example, a large-scale hydrogen electrolyser hub with committed... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/ukclpoh2 For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen for all the latest. #UKGovernment #CleanPower2030 #EnergyPolicy #HydrogenUK #HydrogenInfrastructure #DrivingHydrogen

Germany pledges €5.1million for hydrogen internal combustion engine research for farming and construction 🚜🏗️⚡️ Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has put €5.1million on the table to fast-track hydrogen-powered drive systems for construction and agricultural machinery. The three-year project pulls together a powerhouse team of industry leaders and research experts aiming to create durable, low-emission hydrogen internal combustion engines ready for the toughest tasks. Who’s involved? The project, known as “PoWer”, brings together some serious players. Engine specialist DEUTZ AG, agricultural machinery giant CLAAS, and heavy-equipment maker Liebherr Group are leading the charge alongside cutting-edge researchers from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and top universities. Others including spark plug manufacturer NGK, exhaust systems maker Purem by Eberspächer, and engine-oil maker Castrol will contribute advanced technical expertise. MAHLE, another German firm, and one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, is coordinating the whole thing, while TÜV Rheinland Europe ensures the engines meet strict safety and performance benchmarks. Dr. Marco Warth, Vice President Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering at MAHLE, said: “At MAHLE, we have been working on the development of hydrogen engines for years and are delighted that we can now also contribute this expertise, together with strong partners, to the latest developments for the off-road sector.” “Only the cooperation of such diverse partners and experts in the respective technologies enables a holistic approach and impressively shows the innovation potential of German research and industry in the mobility sector.” What’s the mission? The consortium’s mission extends beyond just engine development, and into creating a hydrogen-powered ecosystem, including fuel supply, maintenance frameworks, and operational models tailored to off-road challenges. Engineers will push the limits of hydrogen internal combustion engine technology, focusing on durability, operational efficiency, and near-zero emissions. The project targets multiple engineering fronts, including advanced exhaust gas after-treatment systems designed to meet stringent future emissions regulations for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). Researchers will also develop... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/h2ice-farm For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen® for all the latest. #HydrogenEngines #MAHLE #Claas #NGK #DEUTZ #BMWK #HydrogenTractors #HydrogenMachines #DrivingHydrogen

Stellantis rejoins ACEA amid EU zero-emission transition challenges 🇪🇺🚙👀 Stellantis has announced its intention to rejoin the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), reflecting its commitment to navigating Europe’s evolving mobility landscape amid intensifying zero-emission targets and competitive pressures. Approved on 11th Dec by ACEA’s Board, Stellantis’ membership will take effect on January 1, 2025. Why Stellantis is rejoining the ACEA: The European automotive industry stands at a crossroads, facing intensifying regulatory targets and a rapidly shifting competitive environment. As the EU pushes for carbon neutrality, automakers grapple with complex challenges, including lagging infrastructure development and rising production costs. Jean-Philippe Imparato, COO of Stellantis Europe, underscored the automaker’s readiness to collaborate, saying: “Stellantis’ commitment to the electrification transition is deep, leveraging our multi-energy technology. We consider ACEA the right forum to engage with peers and stakeholders to build a roadmap supporting the entire value chain.” By rejoining ACEA, Stellantis seeks to strengthen its role in shaping policy, particularly as discussions around zero-emission mobility intensify. This development comes at a critical time for hydrogen advocates within the European automotive sector. In September, ACEA published a stark warning about declining [battery] electric vehicle (EV) sales and urged the EU to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. In an open letter, ACEA highlighted several urgent gaps threatening the EU’s decarbonisation goals: - Infrastructure deficit: Insufficient charging and hydrogen refuelling stations. - Economic pressures: Rising costs and supply chain vulnerabilities. - Policy delays: The next CO2 regulation reviews are scheduled too late, in 2026-2027. Given Stellantis’ existing hydrogen vehicle offerings, both parties share a vested interest in establishing a robust hydrogen ecosystem across Europe. ACEA warned that without immediate corrective action, automakers could face billions in fines, production cuts, and job losses, further weakening the EU’s automotive supply chain. Stellantis has been steadily expanding its hydrogen capabilities, with... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/stell-acea For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen® for all the latest. #Stellantis #ACEA #EU #ZeroEmissions #Hydrogen #BEV #DrivingHydrogen

🚨 BREAKING: It’s official - FIA and Extreme H sign deal for the first-ever off-road hydrogen racing World Cup 🏎️🏁⚡️ Motorsports fans - hold on to your helmets: The FIA Extreme H World Cup has been officially announced for 2025. Today is an exciting day in racing history as the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and Extreme H (formerly Extreme E) have just announced the creation of the first-ever hydrogen-powered off-road racing series. With a signed Heads of Terms agreement, the “FIA Extreme H World Cup” is set to become the premier competition for showcasing hydrogen's true potential in motorsport. Extreme H will validate the full potential of hydrogen as a zero-emission energy source in some of the most challenging racing conditions. The new Extreme H car is called the Pioneer 25. It has been developed by Spark Racing Technology (the same brainiacs behind Extreme E and Formula E) and has been through an extensive testing and development round equivalent to a couple of seasons' worth of abuse (approximately 2,000 hours of testing). The cars will use hydrogen fuel cells sourced from Symbio, capable of taking on the roughest terrains while emitting nothing but pure water. And the stakes are high. Motorsport has always been a proving ground for new tech, and the FIA is betting big on hydrogen driving the transition to a sustainable future. If they’re right, this series won’t just inspire petrolheads (or hydrogenheads?) - it could also spark investment in hydrogen infrastructure and mobility globally. Going beyond technology - inspiring gender equality in motorsport This isn’t just a series for cutting-edge tech - it’s also breaking down barriers. Every team competing in the FIA Extreme H World Cup will feature an equal number of male and female drivers. Finally, motorsport is taking meaningful steps to level the playing field and inspire a new generation of racers and fans alike. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, put it best, saying: “The FIA is committed to supporting initiatives that set new standards for sustainability and equality. Motorsport must evolve and adapt to remain sustainable, and the adoption of hydrogen fuels is a key part of our future.” It’s a message that goes beyond racing. Extreme H is positioning itself as a flag-bearer for inclusion, proving that talent - not gender - defines a champion. Alejandro Agag, the mastermind behind the Extreme H concept, is understandably chuffed about the recognition from motorsport’s top brass, saying: “It is a very proud moment for us all as Extreme H becomes the FIA Extreme H World Cup. This recognition from motorsport's governing body is an important stamp of approval and a major step forward in showcasing hydrogen’s potential while aligning with the highest global standards in motorsport.” And he’s right. Hydrogen racing... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen®: https://h2.news/xh-fia-25 #ExtremeE #ExtremeH #HydrogenPioneers #DrivingHydrogen

Slovakia’s first hydrogen truck: The “M&I RH120R” hits the road 🇪🇺🚛⚡️ When someone says Slovakia what do you think of? Stonking great big Gothic castles, wild bears, famously not being one half of Czechoslovakia anymore… Heavy-duty hydrogen trucks probably aren’t the first thing that springs to mind. But that might be about to change. Slovakia is already a powerhouse in European car manufacturing – they’re the world’s largest producer of cars per capita, in fact. Volkswagen, Stellantis and Jaguar Land Rover all have bases there. Now, the landlocked Slavic state is churning out a new vehicle – a vehicle with a name that sounds like it could belong on the back of a microwave, orrr a Cold War-era fighter jet. That new vehicle is called the M&I RH120R. It’s a new hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck made by the boffins from the equally catchy-sounding “Mobility & Innovation Production” (that’s MIP for short). In comprehensible terms, they’ve made a new 45-tonne hydrogen-powered truck that has passed the EU’s stringent homologation tests with flying colours – becoming Slovakia’s first certified hydrogen truck. Marvellous. Or should I say úžasné. The M&I RH120R is built on the trusty Ford Trucks F-MAX truck platform, combining hydrogen fuel cells, electric motors, and traction batteries – all promising serious range, hefty payloads, and, most importantly, no dinosaur juice in the fuel tank. And no, this isn’t some experimental prototype confined to a tech lab either, this 45-tonne bruiser has all the credentials to play in the big leagues of heavy haulage. Trucks live or die on three fronts: range, weight and pulling power. So MIP’s answer? A dual-system drive delivering an eyebrow-raising 734 bhp and 2,500 Nm of torque, thanks to a “DANA TM4 Sumo HV 2500 6-P” electric motor paired with Eaton’s 4-speed heavy-duty gearbox. There seems to be a theme with naming here… Power is sourced from a Shanghai-built REFIRE Prisma XII+ hydrogen fuel cell that chucks out 117 kW (or 157 bhp in old money), upgradeable to 180 kW or a 200 kW monster if you’re hauling something really heavy – or just showing off. Feeding the fuel cell are four 12 kg hydrogen tanks from NPROXX, built from carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers and pressurised to the contemporary car-standard of 700 bar. Range? Well you can go eastbound and down for 600-750 km (372-466 miles) on hydrogen alone, plus 120 km (75 miles) of emergency battery-only power, courtesy of 122 kWh Durapower traction batteries. And if you’re thinking about downtime, it’s compatible with CCS2 charging too. So you can... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/skh2truck For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen® for all the latest. #HydrogenTruck #MobilityInnovationProduction #FordFMAX #REFIRE #HydrogenFuelCell #SustainableLogistics #DrivingHydrogen

Dutch Gov’t injects €28million to scale hydrogen refuelling network 🇳🇱🚛⚡️ The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management (I&W) has allocated a €28 million Hydrogen in Mobility Grant (SWiM in Dutch) to drive the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. This landmark funding includes €8.2 million awarded to two consortia led by Fountain Fuel, a Netherlands-based zero-emission energy station developer. The funding aims to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and scale up the introduction of hydrogen-powered vans, trucks, and speciality transport vehicles across the country. The SWiM grant is the Dutch government’s response to the surging interest in hydrogen as a viable complement to battery-electric mobility. With at least 30 transport and logistics partners onboard - among them Van Hooft Transport and leading truck manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus - the initiatives championed by Fountain Fuel are poised to deliver tangible results. The consortia’s collective fleet conversions are projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 4,000 tonnes per year - that’s the equivalent of nearly 900 cars per year taken off the road. For Dutch transport operators, hydrogen offers a route to zero-emission mobility without the lengthy charging times or reduced range that can challenge battery-electric solutions, especially in heavy-duty and long-distance contexts. Maarten Bos, General Manager at Van Hooft Transport, said: “For our exceptional transport and heavy truck-mounted cranes, hydrogen is the solution for zero-emission operations.” Similarly, MAN’s Transport Solutions Manager, Jacobjan Vermeiden, highlights the importance of the grant in enabling the swift development and market introduction of hydrogen trucks. Rising demand and growing support for hydrogen mobility Interest in SWiM skyrocketed in 2024, with over... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/nl-h2-fund For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen for all the latest. #DutchGovernment #HydrogenGrant #ManTruckBus #VanHooftTransport #HydrogenRefuelling #HydrogenMobility #DrivingHydrogen

Vauxhall Motors Ltd Movano HYDROGEN wins Editor’s Choice Award at the 2025 What Van? Awards 🥇🏆⚡️ The Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen, Stellantis’ ‘big van’, has been awarded the Editor’s Choice at the 2025 What Van? Awards, recognising its innovative hydrogen technology and practical benefits for businesses. Practical hydrogen for everyday business Designed with fleets and tradies in mind, the Movano Hydrogen offers zero-emissions with an impressive 311 miles of range (WLTP) and a back-on-the-road refuelling time of just five minutes. Its system combines a hydrogen fuel cell with an 11kWh battery, delivering 110kW (150hp) of power and 410Nm of torque. The van also has a clever regenerative braking system which stores energy which would otherwise be lost while braking, storing it back in the battery for extra range. The large van is ideal for businesses that require long-distance capability and fast turnaround times, providing an alternative to traditional battery-electric vans for more demanding operations. Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen at the 2025 What Van? Awards James Dallas, Editor of What Van?, explained why the Movano Hydrogen stood out, saying: "Stellantis came early to market with a medium-sized Hydrogen van but has now adapted the technology to large vans, where it makes more sense in terms of loading capacity and range. “For long-distance operators, hydrogen could be a better fit than battery electric technology." The Movano Hydrogen’s combination of payload, range, and practicality made it a clear choice for the award. Vauxhall’s dual approach to zero-emissions Vauxhall remains the only UK manufacturer offering both battery-electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) vans, giving businesses the flexibility to choose a solution that best fits their needs. James Taylor, Managing Director at Vauxhall, said: "The Movano Hydrogen is designed to meet the specific needs of businesses looking for zero-emission solutions without compromising on range or payload. “With a 311-mile range, fast refuelling, and outstanding practicality, it’s ideal for customers who need a dependable, sustainable option." Vauxhall is the UK’s best-selling battery electric van manufacturer, but is investing heavily in hydrogen as the marque clearly sees a gap in the market for an alternative solution. Built on experience The Movano Hydrogen benefits from... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/vaux-h2-wv For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen® for all the latest. #Stellantis #Vauxhall #Opel #MovanoVan #WhatVanAwards #HydrogenFuelCell #DrivingHydrogen

Glickenhaus teases a hydrogen pickup: Could this be a diesel killer? 👀🛻🇺🇸 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus (SCG) has dropped an Instagram post that’s sparked curiosity in the automotive and hydrogen worlds. A racing car manufacturer known for bold ideas and a knack for doing things a bit differently, Glickenhaus is teasing a hydrogen-powered pickup truck. The claim being: diesel-like cost, diesel-like capacity, and diesel-like performance - with none of the black smoke. Let’s unpack what we know, and more intriguingly, what we don’t. The details (and the speculation) Here’s what Glickenhaus laid out in their teaser: The hydrogen pickup will offer up to 800 miles of range. It will be available with either two or four doors, and bed lengths of six or eight feet. A swappable hydrogen tank system, designed for quick changes using a forklift or overhead crane, promises diesel-like convenience for refuelling. Oh, and there’s more. Glickenhaus plans to develop a compact, solar-powered hydrogen generator that could produce your own off-grid, decentralised hydrogen fuel directly from water. How such a device would do such a thing on such a small scale is yet to be seen, but we will wait to see what the boffins at Glickenhaus come up with before passing judgement just yet. But beyond these features, the post leaves us with more questions than answers. How will this truck perform under load? How scalable is the swappable tank system for widespread use? And, perhaps the biggest question of all, can it truly go head-to-head with diesel pickups on cost? Hydrogen trucks: The practical case While battery-electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck dominate headlines, hydrogen’s appeal lies in its long range, quick refueling, and better payload capacity. For industries like farming, law enforcement, and fleets - key markets Glickenhaus has explicitly mentioned - the downtime associated with charging BEVs can be a dealbreaker. The swappable hydrogen tank system could be a game-changer. You would... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/glick-h2 For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen for all the latest. #Glickenhaus #SCG #Hydrogen #PickupTrucks #MadeInUSA #DrivingHydrogen

Prince Albert captains Extreme E’s hydrogen Pioneer 25 through Monaco 🇲🇨🏎️⚡️ If you’re a head of state looking to make an entrance, there are options. Helicopters? Predictable. Rolls-Royces? Overdone. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco took a different approach. To open the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance Forum, the Prince opted for something special – something even the valet at the Monte Carlo Casino wouldn’t move to the multi-storey on the other side of town. He turned up in the Pioneer 25 – the zero-emission, hydrogen-powered racer from Extreme E. But this wasn’t your typical ribbon-cutting affair. Prince Albert, with some pre-drive tuition from British rally star Catie Munnings, piloted the sleek single-seater from the Prince’s Palace to the Hotel Hermitage, navigating Monaco’s iconic streets – more accustomed to Formula One and Formula E royalty than hydrogen prototypes. It was a moment steeped in symbolism and one that sent a clear message: the future of clean mobility is right here. Prince Albert isn’t new to environmental advocacy, but this was a statement on wheels. Reflecting on the drive, he didn’t mince his words, saying: “Hydrogen represents an important pathway to a sustainable future, offering solutions to reduce emissions across multiple sectors.” Not content with platitudes, he made it personal, saying: “It was my pleasure to be one of the first to try out this remarkable race car, here in Monaco, a country which is proud to host the most iconic racing across Formula One and Formula E. “As Extreme H showcases, innovation in motorsport can be a driving force for global progress, inspiring action far beyond the racetrack.” It’s safe to say, when Monaco’s ruler takes hydrogen tech for a spin, people pay attention. The Pioneer 25 is a rolling lab experiment with 550 horsepower. Designed by Spark Racing Technology (the same boffins who make the Formula E cars) and powered by a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell courtesy of Symbio, it’s a beast with a conscience. Some highlights: Acceleration: Rockets itself from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 4.5 seconds. Climbing ability: Can scale gradients of 130%, perfect for those tricky mountain ascents… or Monaco’s gentle 13%. Weight: 2200kg (2.2 tonnes), with a fully-balanced geometry that’s as wide as it is commanding at 2.4 metres. The fuel cell wizardry powers the battery pack, which powers the electric motors, with the whole system having been through the testing equivalent to three racing seasons (that’s around 2,000 hours). It’s fast, it’s clever, and crucially, it doesn’t emit a speck of CO₂. Extreme E is rebranding to Extreme H and launching officially in 2025. Created by Alejandro Agag, the mastermind behind... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/monaco-xh For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen® for all the latest. #ExtremeE #ExtremeH #HydrogenMotorsport #SparkRacingTechnology #DrivingHydrogen

Scotland’s hydrogen plan: “Greatest industrial opportunity since oil and gas” 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏭⚡️ Scotland has unveiled an ambitious hydrogen export plan, positioning the versatile clean energy source as central to its economic and environmental future. The strategy, titled: “A Trading Nation: Realising Scotland’s Hydrogen Potential – A Plan for Exports”, lays out the steps required for the country to become a global leader in hydrogen production and exports by 2030. Speaking at the launch, Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin described the hydrogen opportunity, saying: “Hydrogen is one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since oil and gas and we have the environment, skills, knowledge, and experience to become a driving force of the hydrogen sector in Europe and beyond.” The statement reflects The Scottish Government’s belief in hydrogen’s transformative potential for the country’s economy – and its role in achieving its aggressive net zero targets. Scotland’s hydrogen plan in detail The hydrogen export plan outlines a clear framework to capitalise on Scotland’s renewable energy resources and industrial expertise. Among the key objectives are: Scaling production by establishing 5 GW of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen capacity by 2030, scaling to 25 GW by 2045. Strengthening infrastructure by developing hydrogen hubs, storage facilities, and export pathways, including pipelines to Europe. Attracting investment by showcasing growing demand for hydrogen across Europe to drive funding into production, transport, and storage projects. Building the workforce by supporting skills development to ensure Scotland’s workforce is prepared for opportunities in the hydrogen sector. The report projects that by 2045, Scotland could produce up to 3.3million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, of which 2.5million tonnes could be exported. This would not only support Europe’s growing demand for hydrogen, but also bolster Scotland’s economy and skilled employment, which mainly relies on Natural Capital. Industrial transition and economic potential The shift from oil and gas to hydrogen is... Read the full article for free at Driving Hydrogen: https://h2.news/scot-h2-op For those keen to stay ahead of the curve, follow Driving Hydrogen® for all the latest. #ScottishGovernment #NetZero #ScottishHydrogen #EnergyPolicy #PolicyNews #Hydrogen #DrivingHydrogen