
TNO’s hydrogen internal heavy duty combustion engine wins prize at EARTO Innovation Awards
Today TNO won second prize in the category ‘Impact Expected‘ at the 14th EARTO Innovation Awards for an innovative hydrogen combustion engine for the maritime sector. The innovation involves converting existing, heavy (diesel) engines in cargo ships to a clean, hydrogen combustion engine. The impact: almost 100% CO₂ reduction with short implementation times and costs! Due to our retrofit concept, existing engines can be retrofitted with the technology and have immediate impact without having to wait for the end-of life of the existing engines. The prize was awarded at a special ceremony in Brussels with wide political and stakeholder participation.
“The hydrogen retrofit internal combustion engine is a promising option to drastically and quickly reduce CO₂ emissions of heavy-duty equipment, while still meeting the requirements for engine-out pollutant emissions on NOx and particulates). This new, clean application of newly developed technology is a promising alternative for the transport sector to accelerate the energy transition. Wide adoption, however, requires close cooperation. We are therefore particularly honored and pleased with this recognition from peers and key stakeholders.”
H2-ICE delivers cost-efficient conversion of existing power systems
With our retrofit hydrogen combustion innovation, existing combustion engines can change overnight into zero emission hydrogen combustion engines (H2 ICE). Starting from an existing diesel or gas engine and introducing TNO’s developed hydrogen technology, the lifetime of an existing engine is extended while simultaneously contribute to the energy transition. The H2-ICE delivers cost-efficient conversion of existing power systems. This includes costly and complex exhaust gas aftertreatment technology into potentially zero emission engines (Green Hydrogen will be a requirement) without the need for aftertreatment.
Letter of thanks
The H2-ICE project is (partially) funded from the Mobility Sectors R&D Subsidy Scheme and realized in close cooperation with DAF Trucks N.V., Koedood Marine Group, Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine Europe, NPS Driven, DENS, Prins Autogassystemen and Westport Fuel Systems.
About the EARTO Innovation Awards
The annual EARTO Innovation Awards rewards an innovation with significant proven or expected social and/or economic impact. A pendent jury evaluates entries and selects the winner or winners. Founded in 1999, EARTO promotes Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs) and represents their interest in Europe. RTOs are non-profit organizations whose core mission is to produce, combine and bridge various types of knowledge, skills and infrastructures to deliver a range of research and development activities in collaboration with public and industrial partners of all sizes. EARTO network counts over 350 RTOs in more than 32 countries. EARTO members represent 150.000 of highly skilled researchers and engineers managing a wide range of technology infrastructures.
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Safe and sustainable urban mobility
We develop and research smart, innovative measures and integrated solutions for the domains of mobility, liveability, and safety.
Hydrogen internal combustion engine accelerates CO2 reduction for heavy-duty applications
The transport sector must come up with innovative solutions in order to achieve the climate objectives. The hydrogen internal combustion engine is a promising option to drastically and quickly reduce CO2 emissions of heavy-duty equipment, while still meeting the requirements for engine-out pollutant emissions. This new, clean application of trusted technology is a promising alternative for the maritime sector to accelerate the energy transition.


Sustainable vehicles and research into sustainable powertrains
80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from road transport. That is the goal for 2050. Find out how we help with innovative solutions.


TNO research on powertrains
Modern means of transport, from passenger cars to heavy road and waterborne vehicles, must comply with increasingly stringent emission regulations and greenhouse gas targets.
Research on integrated vehicle safety
TNO is recognised by OEMs and TIERs worldwide as a valuable knowledge partner with unique expertise, tools, and facilities. Activities within the Integrated Vehicle Safety (IVS) research department focus on improving the functional safety of vehicles and preventing fatalities and serious injuries by developing integrated safety solutions, which are robust and reliable under all conditions.