Dr Penny Atkins, Principal Research Fellow and Deputy Director of Brighton's Advanced Engineering Centre, said: “Hydrogen combustion engines could offer a vital medium term solution to support decarbonisation in the heavy duty sector. University of Brighton is excited to be able to use its expertise in hydrogen combustion and engine testing to support the development of this important technology.”
Adrian Greaney, Director of Technology and Digital at Ricardo Automotive and Industrial EMEA Division, said: “Green hydrogen has a critical role to play in our future energy and transport systems, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from hard to decarbonise sectors such as long-haul trucks, off-highway machines and marine. This exciting project with the University of Brighton on hydrogen engine technology sits alongside our developments in hydrogen fuel cell systems to deliver cost effective, clean and efficient solutions for our global clients.”
Development of this new hydrogen engine further boosts Sussex's growing reputation as a pioneering clean technology hotspot. This includes the launch earlier this year of the wide-ranging Hydrogen Sussex initiative, complementing the University of Brighton's involvement with Ricardo in plans to turn Shoreham Port into a green hydrogen hub with a new 20-megawatt power plant.
The university also teamed up with Ricardo last year to bring the revolutionary Dolphin N2 engine to market. Its world first capabilities include combining extreme efficiency with near-zero emissions of harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx).