How Extreme H is Changing Hydrogen Fuel Perceptions
Hydrogen fuel has enormous potential to decarbonise power.
When manufactured using renewable energy, it produces no carbon emissions, only water vapour.
The World Economic Forum estimates the adoption of hydrogen fuel could result in the prevention of up to 60 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions by the mid-century.
The world's first hydrogen-powered racing series, Extreme H, is scheduled for launch in 2025 and set to replace Extreme E.
Extreme E began in 2021, founded by Formula E founder Alejandro Agag. It sees all-electric off-road racing taken to the extremes.
These races not only ignite excitement but also champion sustainability.
The debut racing car for Extreme H, named the Pioneer 25, has made history as the first hydrogen racing car to pass rigorous FIA crash testing.
Mark Grain, Technical Director for Extreme H, explains: "The thing that we can do in motorsport, is we can show that hydrogen cars can race very close together in very challenging conditions and what do you know? They don't combust.
“They don't blow up like some old balloon in a black and white film from a hundred years ago.
“When you speak to the average person in the street about hydrogen, their minds drift back to times gone by and hydrogen couldn't be further from that.”
Advancing hydrogen power through racing
Motorsports offer a dynamic platform, combining competition with entertainment, to challenge and alter perceptions.
The nature of motorsport demands continual technological improvements, driven by the unyielding deadlines set by the racing calendar.
Mark explains: “Motorsports has got a long history of being a progress multiplier and the reason for that is purely competition and timeframe.
“With motor racing, the next deadline is the next race. So that could be two weeks, it could be four weeks, but asking to push the race back isn't an option.”
The Pioneer 25, which accelerates from 0-100 kph in just 4.5 seconds, is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell supplied by Symbio, boasting a peak output of 550hp.
Andy Welch, Energy and Utilities Manager for Extreme H, says: “There's very much a focus on the technology in the car, but of course the car naturally drags a lot of other infrastructure with it where we have to attain the same level.
“For instance, we will need a hydrogen refuelling rig for the championship and we have, for the last four years already, been using a fuel cell system to provide the site power for technical operations, for broadcasting, for catering and for everything.”
The potential of hydrogen racing is bringing in new interest, and drivers who have tested the car only have good things to say.
Mark says: “The level of interest that we are attracting here is really strong and that reinforces the decision that we made to go with hydrogen.
“Companies that previously haven't been involved in motorsports are now contacting us and want to be involved. So that's really encouraging and it gives us the reassurance that we're heading on the right path.”
Catie Munnings, Driver for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, who has tested the Pioneer 25, says: "I’ve been waiting to get behind the wheel of this car ever since I first heard about it, and it did not disappoint!
“It’s also a thrill to know that we are pioneering something that could change the face of motorsport."
“It’s really cool to have a championship that’s a world first in using a hydrogen fuel cell. The car is so stable, it flies really well and it was super fun to test it.”
The sustainable impact of Extreme E
Extreme E has carved a niche in raising environmental consciousness through all-electric competition in remote areas, like the Saudi Arabian desert.
Each selected location aims to amplify awareness of environmental and climate issues.
The series introduced a "Legacy Programme" in 2020, supporting local communities throughout its global itinerary.
Extreme E Founder and CEO, Alejandro Agag, says: “Extreme E is borne out of the climate crisis, and its mission is the use of sport in raising awareness of the serious issues our planet is facing, as well as the solutions that we can all employ to help reverse those issues.”
The series has put in serious work to improve gender equality in motorsports. Across all motorsport fans, about 45% are women and girls.
According to More than Equal, female participation in motorsports represents on average 10% across all categories of competition. In high level motorsports this decreases to just 7%.
All teams in Extreme E, and soon Extreme H, are required to consist of one male and one female driver with equal driving duties.
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Energy Digital Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024
Energy Digital is a BizClik brand
