Hydrogen for internal combustion engines in heavy equipment

COOPERATION

The use of hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion engines can play an important role in the energy transition linked to climate agreements. We still have a long way to go to realise the Paris Climate Agreements. Liquid and gaseous energy carriers will continue to be needed as fuels in certain heavy applications, such as aviation and shipping, road traffic with heavy, energy-intensive and demanding deployment patterns.

HYDROGEN COMBUSTION OFFERS MANY ADVANTAGES

Summarising the impact of hydrogen in heavy-duty internal combustion:

• To a large extent, this is already developed and proven technology. As a result, the applications are very reliable and affordable from a user and maintenance perspective.
• A significant part of our industry is already equipped and prepared for the use of hydrogen (design, production, service & maintenance, recycling).
• Combustion engines running on hydrogen have a high tolerance for the quality of the hydrogen used.
• Hydrogen in internal combustion engines makes the Netherlands and Europe more independent from the outside world because no precious or rare metals are needed. This is an opportunity for the Netherlands to create concrete solutions for numerous "niche" applications in the short term, and to boost the eco-system of the HD automotive and energy sector.

Accelerating sustainability

Opportunities exist to introduce hydrogen quickly and to speed up sustainability significantly in the short term, especially in HD (high power & heavy duty) engines in the transport and industry sectors. Since the combustion of hydrogen releases only water, no CO₂, a limited amount of NOx and requires no emission after-treatment, it is a very sustainable technology. An additional advantage is that hydrogen can be refuelled quickly. And with sufficient pressure, hydrogen has a high energy density and is therefore suitable for long-distance transport.

Want to know more?

See below or download the infographic Hydrogen for internal combustion engines in heavy equipment.