7 Sept 2023
As the world explores the potential of the hydrogen economy, a groundbreaking racing series is gearing up to hit the tracks by 2025, and it could play a pivotal role in boosting interest and awareness in hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Extreme E, in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has inked a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring to life a new racing series dedicated to hydrogen-powered cars, aptly named "Extreme H." The vision for this initiative is ambitious - to see Extreme H rise to become the eighth FIA World Championship by 2026.
A Momentous Milestone for Hydrogen Racing
Alejandro Agag, the founder and CEO of Extreme E, expressed the significance of this venture, stating, "Establishing alongside the FIA a world-first hydrogen racing world championship will be a momentous milestone for Extreme E and the new Extreme H series." He further explained that gaining accreditation as an FIA Championship and eventually attaining the status of an FIA World Championship would position them among the top tiers of global motorsport categories. Extreme H is set to become the first-ever world championship racing series of its kind, dedicated entirely to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Pioneering the Way for Hydrogen-Powered Transportation
The hydrogen economy, particularly in the realm of vehicles and transportation, is still in its early stages, and many consumers remain unfamiliar with how hydrogen can be utilized to power cars and SUVs. One of the key challenges has been the limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, making fuel-cell vehicles a niche choice. However, initiatives are underway to drive the adoption of hydrogen-powered heavy trucks to replace diesel engines, and automakers are eyeing the potential market for hydrogen-powered cars, pickups, and SUVs as infrastructure continues to develop.
Government Support for Hydrogen Infrastructure
The U.S. government has taken significant steps to support hydrogen infrastructure development. The Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Act of 2022 allocates up to $8 billion for establishing hydrogen production hubs strategically positioned to support semi-trucks on heavily traveled routes. Additionally, the Department of Energy has earmarked up to $7 billion to create six to ten regional clean hydrogen hubs across the country. These hydrogen hubs are designed to facilitate clean energy investments, job creation, and enhanced energy security, connecting producers, consumers, and local infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.
The Hydrogen Debate: Green vs. Grey Hydrogen
While hydrogen is considered a clean-burning fuel, a central point of debate is how cleanly it can be produced. The Biden Administration is emphasizing "green" hydrogen, which is generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. In contrast, the majority of hydrogen produced today is derived from fossil fuels, known as grey hydrogen. Grey hydrogen is typically generated from natural gas, or methane, through a process called "steam reforming."
Hydrogen holds immense promise as the most abundant element on Earth, but its future depends on the development of sustainable production methods and the growth of supporting infrastructure. As the hydrogen-powered racing series, Extreme H, revs up for its debut, it could be a catalyst in accelerating the transition to a hydrogen-powered future, both on and off the racetrack.
Extreme H, the hydrogen-powered racing series, aims to accelerate interest in hydrogen-powered vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner and sustainable future in transportation. With government support and evolving technologies, hydrogen's potential is poised to reshape the automotive industry and reduce carbon emissions.