Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Hydrogen good news.

The real future is happening now the serious players are buying in.

German automotive parts giant MAHLE has secured its first order from combustion engine manufacturer DEUTZ to develop and supply components for hydrogen engines. This milestone collaboration, described by MAHLE CEO Arnd Franz as a significant advancement in the automotive industry, signals a growing shift towards sustainable energy alternatives beyond electric vehicles.
The partnership highlights hydrogen as a viable, green alternative for commercial and industrial applications. MAHLE's hydrogen components, adapted from traditional diesel technology, are ready for production and will be tested in construction and agricultural machinery.
This move aligns with the European Union's updated CO2 fleet targets, aiming for a carbon-neutral future. As hydrogen technology promises close to zero emissions, it offers an innovative solution for industries where electrification is challenging, ensuring diverse and widespread energy options to meet varied mobility needs.

I wonder if this new six stroke engine might operate on Hydrogen...?

Classic PR bull poo Rich ! The issues of conversion to hydrogen like the use of EV power are more about the overall system from generation to storage than the basic re-engineering of pistons as made by Mahle. Plus in some minor areas you have to ask whether the effort to find solutions really is worth it.

For example, the two huge transport based "polluters" are cars and shipping. EVs will reduce the car contribution significantly. Shipping being international probably comes under the heading of politically too difficult. You have to ask "why bother" when it comes to the small polluters like earth moving equipment. Reality is that the purity of approach to the issue is likely to cause more problems than it cures.

Have a look at https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/scottish-transport-statistics-2021/chapter-13-environment/#:~:text=Heavy%20Goods%20Vehicles%20and%20Light,4.6%25%20of%20transport%27s%20total%20emissions.

Some interesting data in there

I don't agree Howard as they are addressing heavy transport and on site vehicles and this will filter down and possibly across to maritime usage.

It's a move in the right direction as opposed to the present folly of battery only.

JCB are doing a great job with development on their engines.

p.s. This on the day we shut down our last coal fired power station and Port Talbot Steel works. So a blast out in the Plus 8 is due.

p.p.s. I shall read your link when I get back.

Depends how the hydrogen is produced of course.

A fascinating insight into the heavy plant industry and how far JCB have already come on the development of hydrogen powered vehicles:

I agree that hydrogen does have benefits , but it also has a large number of disadvantages , whether the latter outweigh the former only time will tell.

The main problem with this whole energy scenario is that politicians intervene, frequently, so the scientific and technical cases are often "bent" to their wishes.

Hydrogen is not easy to transport , it needs much more pressure than LPG to keep it liquid , so is probably going to be more suitable for stationary applications (like power generation, district heating plants etc)

When burnt hydrogen produces a large quantity of water, unless this is discharged to atmosphere (Unlikely ?) it needs to be condensed and stored (not easy in mobile applications without adding weight and other complications ) but less of an issue in fixed locations.

The first winter road tests in Finland by Mecedes Benz produced vast clouds of water vapour behind the car (a 220E?) such that the chase cars who were monitoring it, couldn't follow. No doubt things have improved since the mid 90s but burning hydrogen will produce water , no matter how you mitigate it.

I know this is a risky comment, but personally I think this is quite sad

Me too. I think we are crazy to be the first movers on critical infrastructutre

Couldn't agree more - I will not miss the pervading sulphrous stink on the motorway though, any way a few thoughts from Welsh Wales....

The furnace roars its final cry,
A sky once bright, now dimmed and dry,
The smoke that kissed the morning air,
Now drifts away, no longer there.
In molten rivers, steel once flowed,
Through hands of those who shaped and sowed,
A legacy in fire and might,
Now flickers in the fading light.
The clang of iron, the heat so near,
The hum of labour, loud and clear,
But now that hum has turned to hush,
As silence grips the evening’s blush.
Generations stood so proud,
Beneath the furnace, fierce and loud,
Fathers, sons, their strength combined,
In every spark, their dreams aligned.
But dreams can fade like cooling steel,
And leave a wound that time won’t heal,
The heart of Port Talbot beats slow,
A chapter closed, with nowhere to go.
Yet in our blood, the fire remains,
In every soul, a spark sustains,
For though the furnace breathes no more,
Its spirit lingers on our shore.
Port Talbot, strong, though times may shift,
We carry forward, though we drift,
For in the embers, still we see,
The flame of hope, for what will be.

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