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Running on hydrogen — this engine is the size of a bus, highly efficient and capable of generating 13 horsepower

Published 24/01/2025 às 23:02
hydrogen, engine
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A hydrogen-powered engine the size of a bus promises high efficiency and 13 HP of power. Find out more!

By 2025, the transition to renewable energy sources is in full swing, with global production expected to double by the end of this decade. Among the most promising solutions to ensure a clean and efficient energy future are: hydrogen engine, capable of generating an abundance of energy without carbon emissions.

One of the most impressive examples is the gigantic engine from the Finnish company Wärtsi, what promises revolutionize the sector with a power of 13 thousand HP.

The importance of renewable energy and the role of hydrogen

With the accelerated growth of wind and solar energy, a challenge arises: intermittency. Renewable sources are dependent on climate conditions, making it essential to develop flexible solutions to ensure a continuous supply of energy.

Generator engines, such as those developed by Wärtsilä, emerge as a viable option to balance this demand, especially when fueled with green hydrogen, a 100% carbon-free alternative.

Wärtsilä's gigantic hydrogen engine

Founded in 1834, Wärtsilä is a global leader in developing innovative solutions for the marine and energy sectors.

The company, known for manufacturing some of the world's largest combustion engines, is now turning its focus to sustainability with the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel.

The engine Wärtsilä 31, which serves as the basis for this new technology, is considered the most efficient in its category, accumulating more than one million hours of operation in various applications.

It stands out for its flexibility, being able to operate with pure hydrogen or mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas.

Features and potential of Wärtsilä 31

The engine Wärtsilä 31 offers a number of advantages over traditional models, including:

  • High power: Available in 8 to 16 cylinder configurations, with powers between 4,2 MW and 9,8 MW (equivalent to 13.142 HP);
  • Compact dimensions: It measures 8,7 meters long and 4,7 meters high, making it more compact than the largest diesel engine in the world;
  • Fuel Versatility: It can operate with fossil fuels, natural gas or pure hydrogen;
  • Sustainability: Completely carbon-free when operated with green hydrogen.

Opportunities for the energy sector

The large-scale implementation of these engines opens up new possibilities for the energy transition.

The clean energy market could take advantage of this technology to store surplus electricity from renewable sources, converting it into hydrogen and using generator engines to distribute energy according to demand.

Wärtsilä is already offering two versions of the engine to the market:

  • Wärtsilä 31SG-H2: It plans to operate with 100% hydrogen, and can also use a mixture of natural gas and 25% hydrogen;
  • Wärtsilä 31H2: Developed exclusively to operate with pure hydrogen, although it can also use fuel mixtures.

Both models will be available for bidding in 2025, with deliveries scheduled for 2026.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite the advantages, the widespread adoption of hydrogen engines faces some challenges. The supply of green hydrogen in sufficient quantities is one of the main barriers, as is the high cost of production and distribution.

However, investments in hydrogen infrastructure are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, making this technology more accessible and efficient.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen could account for up to 18% of global energy demand by 2050.

Wärtsilä’s hydrogen engines represent a major step forward in the search for sustainable energy solutions.

Other large companies are also betting on hydrogen

In addition to the energy generation sector, several automakers are investing heavily in hydrogen as a sustainable alternative.

Companies such as Toyota, Hyundai and BMW already have hydrogen-powered vehicles in circulation and are increasing their investments to make this technology more accessible.

Toyota, for example, developed the Mirai model, a sedan powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, capable of offering a range of over 600 km with zero emissions.

Hyundai is also at the forefront of this transformation, with the Nexo SUV, which combines high energy efficiency and a refueling time of less than five minutes.

The South Korean company plans to expand its line of hydrogen vehicles and invest in fueling infrastructure. BMW, for its part, recently announced tests with its iX5 Hydrogen model, which seeks to combine performance and sustainability in a single product.

With their ability to generate clean energy on a large scale, they offer a viable solution to complement renewable sources and ensure a constant supply of electricity.

This makes the future of energy look brighter, and companies and governments should continue to invest in technologies like this to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

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Moacir Medeiros
Moacir Medeiros
26/01/2025 09:31

While Trump and his gang want to destroy the planet with fossil fuels, congratulations to the Europeans and Asians for their determination to improve the planet where we live, the world is grateful.

Laertes Santos
Laertes Santos
26/01/2025 15:20

More than battery-electric cars, hydrogen is the fuel of the future, electric batteries are the transition medium...the future is hydrogen.

Geraldo Veriano Sales
Geraldo Veriano Sales
30/01/2025 10:38

Hydrogen technology will only be viable once hydrogen is removed from the water contained in the vehicle's tank, and research is already well advanced in this regard.

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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