The UK government has committed substantial investment into battery electric vehicles in their work towards the aim of eliminating carbon emissions in the transport sector.
However, research from the Brunel Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels shows that hydrogen combustion engines produce zero carbon and ultra-low NOx emissions compared with fossil fuel engines, whilst also being more suitable than battery systems for many sections of the transport industry.
Based on these findings, Prof Xinyan Wang and Prof Hua Zhao recommend:
- The UK Government should recognise the key role that hydrogen combustion engines could have in replacing fossil fuel engines in order to meet net zero targets.
- For Hydrogen combustion engines to meet their potential to strongly contribute to the transition to net zero, the UK government should invest and support industry and research organisations in developing dedicated hydrogen combustion engine R&D programmes.
- Establish clearer regulations on hydrogen combustion engines and their use in vehicles, which will encourage the private sector to invest further.
Read the full brief: Hydrogen Combustion Engines as a Key Part of Reaching Net Zero (figshare.com)
Cite: Wang, Xinyan; Zhao, Hua (2024). Hydrogen Combustion Engines as a Key Part of Reaching Net Zero. Brunel University London. Online resource. https://doi.org/10.17633/rd.brunel.27015154.v1