Toyota Appoints Vasselon as Vice-President Amid Preparations for Hydrogen-Powered Le Mans Entry Toyota has recently announced a strategic reshuffle, appointing Pascal Vasselon to the role of vice-president of TGR strategic motorsport development as the company intensifies its preparations for a hydrogen-powered entry in the iconic Le Mans race. Vasselon, who has been integral to Toyota's motorsport initiatives since 2006, will now focus on future global motorsport activities with an emphasis on carbon neutrality and hydrogen technology. Vasselon's new role was confirmed following a management change at Toyota's Cologne-based organization, which oversees the World Endurance Championship programme and engine production for the World Rally Championship GR Yaris Rally1. This change is part of Toyota's broader strategy to develop the next generation of company leaders and innovate within the field of motorsports. The appointment follows the unveiling of the GR H2 Concept, a prototype powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, during last year’s Le Mans event. This move underlines Toyota's commitment to integrating advanced hydrogen technologies into its racing platforms. Vasselon's involvement in the hydrogen prototype project highlights his crucial role in pushing the boundaries of sustainable racing. David Floury, who has been with Toyota's WEC setup since its 2012 series entry and served as Vasselon’s deputy since 2021, will take over as the new technical director. Floury has been acting in this capacity since January, following the unexpected management changes. The announcement coincides with comments from Pierre Fillon, president of Le Mans organiser and WEC promoter the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, indicating that the WEC's new hydrogen category is likely to begin in 2027. This adjustment in timeline reflects the complexities involved in integrating hydrogen-powered vehicles into high-stakes racing environments. Toyota's commitment to hydrogen power as a viable alternative for racing applications was further demonstrated with the participation of the liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla H2 Concept in the Super Taikyu Fuji 24 Hours in 2023. Vasselon has expressed that hydrogen combustion engines are ideally suited for racing due to their lighter and simpler design compared to fuel cells. This strategic realignment and Vasselon's new role are significant steps for Toyota as it aims to lead in the transition to sustainable motorsport solutions, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of racing towards greener technologies.

Sinopec Lists Major Green Hydrogen Venture for Auction Amid Financial Challenges In a significant development, China's second-largest energy company, Sinopec, has placed its solar and wind-to-hydrogen project in Inner Mongolia up for auction. This venture, known as Sinopec New Star Inner Mongolia Green Hydrogen New Energy, is now available on the Beijing Equity Exchange, with its entire equity set at a starting bid of 74.08 million yuan ($10 million). Founded in 2021, the venture was initiated with a modest registered capital of 1 million yuan. Despite the considerable investment in assets totaling 132.33 million yuan, the company has yet to generate operating income and currently bears liabilities amounting to 62.47 million yuan. This move follows operational difficulties faced by Sinopec in other regions, including Xinjiang, and represents a strategic shift to potentially realign its portfolio and investment focus amidst the evolving energy sector landscape. The auction signals a pivotal moment for potential investors interested in advancing renewable energy technologies and contributing to the development of green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

Amplus Solar to Introduce Distributed Green Hydrogen Projects in India by Next Year Amplus Solar, a key player in the Indian solar energy sector, has announced plans to launch distributed green hydrogen projects by next year, expanding its renewable energy portfolio. Sharad Pungalia, the CEO and Managing Director of Amplus Solar, shared in an exclusive interview with ETEnergyWorld that the company is already working towards implementing a distributed green hydrogen model, mirroring their successful solar services model. Currently, Amplus Solar boasts a robust portfolio with over 1.9 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar assets, both operational and under construction, across India. The new initiative aims to replicate this model for hydrogen, focusing on on-site hydrogen production through electrolysis at customer premises. Pungalia explained, "Our approach has been to deliver solar power directly to consumers at their locations. We intend to apply this same business framework to hydrogen by setting up electrolysers on the properties of interested customers." This strategy will allow Amplus Solar to provide green hydrogen directly to consumers, utilizing the green electricity they already supply for electrolysis. Regarding the operational aspects of the electrolysers, Pungalia clarified that Amplus Solar does not plan to manufacture these units but will source them from third parties to supply to their customers. This decision aligns with their business model as project developers, focusing on the deployment and management of energy systems rather than manufacturing.

Ronitron and NESG Forge Alliance with Leading Companies for Advanced Green Energy Production

In a significant development in the green energy sector, Ronitron Company Limited (RONITRON) and Nex Energy Systems Global Limited (NESG) have partnered through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with several major companies to boost the production of sustainable energy solutions. The collaboration includes Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Company Limited (RG), Systems Engineering Management & Service Company Limited (SEMS), and Chothavee Public Company Limited (CHO). This strategic alliance aims to pioneer the production of Biochar, , Green Naphtha, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), utilizing cutting-edge technology to transform green energy production. The MOU was signed at a ceremony that featured prominent figures including Mr. Supakin Somsri, CEO of Ronitron, and Mr. Chaowalit Jangchai, CEO of Fintechinno Company Limited (FTI), representing Ronitron. RONITRON is positioning itself as a potential "EnergyTech Unicorn" by introducing advanced technology and cost-effective solutions in green energy. This move is part of its broader strategy to assist manufacturers and power producers in achieving Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Emission goals. Furthermore, Ronitron is enhancing its project value by developing a Carbon Credit Management System in collaboration with FTI. On April 3, 2024, key stakeholders from RONITRON, CPF, and NESG met at SC Park Hotel to discuss the application of NESG technology in converting chicken manure into sustainable fuels like SAF, green hydrogen, and green naphtha. This process also includes generating biochar, which not only contributes to carbon sequestration but also creates potential revenue streams through carbon removal credits (CORC). Mr. Peerapong Krinchai of CPF highlighted the company's vision to be "The leading sustainable kitchen of the world," focusing on food security and responsible environmental practices. CPF is committed to adopting innovative technologies and green energy solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve its carbon neutrality objectives. This partnership is set to make a substantial impact on reducing fossil fuel dependence, enhancing energy security, and supporting sustainable community and environmental development. The collaboration aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positions the involved companies as leaders in the global transition to sustainable energy.

IBA and HAI Collaborate to Boost Bio-Derived Hydrogen Energy in India The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) and the Hydrogen Association of India (HAI) have formed a strategic partnership aimed at advancing hydrogen as a bio-based energy source within India’s renewable energy sector. This collaboration, solidified through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), seeks to enhance the adoption of both green and blue hydrogen technologies, thereby driving forward India's sustainable energy objectives. This alliance is expected to substantially contribute to the growth of India’s green hydrogen industry, which is projected to reach a market value of $8 billion by 2030 and further expand to $340 billion by 2050. The initiative highlights the commitment of both organizations to reduce the country's reliance on imported energy resources and to support national renewable energy plans. The partnership encompasses a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting bio-derived hydrogen, including educational programs, capacity-building efforts, and policy advocacy. These efforts are designed to foster sustainable development and energy independence for India, reflecting a significant step towards achieving these goals. Additionally, HAI has extended its reach by signing MoUs with international bodies such as the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association to foster global cooperation and knowledge exchange in hydrogen technology. The IBA continues to promote biogas as a viable renewable energy source, with an ambitious goal to establish 5000 new commercial biogas plants by the end of 2024. Through its efforts, the IBA aims to increase biogas awareness, support research and development, and improve the biogas sector's business landscape by advocating for supportive policies. On the other hand, HAI plays a critical role in promoting hydrogen energy in India, engaging in scientific research, knowledge dissemination, and providing technical advice to both public and private sectors. HAI also actively organizes international conferences and events to further the development and application of hydrogen technologies, such as the notable 10th International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Conference held last December.

Hyperion XP-1 Hydrogen Hypercar Prototype Up for Auction Amidst Production Hurdles

In an extraordinary event for car enthusiasts and collectors, a prototype of the Hyperion XP-1 hydrogen hypercar has been put up for auction. Originally unveiled in 2020 by Hyperion, a company based in Orange County, the XP-1 was intended to be a pioneer in hydrogen fuel-cell technology for high-performance vehicles. The prototype boasted impressive specifications, including over 2,000 horsepower and the capability to travel 1,000 miles on a single hydrogen refueling. However, the transition from prototype to production has faced delays, leaving the hypercar yet to be commercially available. This specific prototype, which is one of the seven developed for testing and promotion of the XP-1, lacks the advanced hydrogen fuel-cell system and instead is equipped with an electric propulsion system. While it does not deliver the original promised performance metrics, such as a 2.2-second acceleration to 60 mph or a top speed of 221 mph, the prototype remains a remarkable showcase of design and technology. Visually, the XP-1 is a work of art, adorned in satin titanium and sky blue finishes, with V-wing doors that pay homage to the iconic "Winged Victory of Samothrace" sculpture. Its aerodynamic panels also serve dual functions as solar panels, emphasizing the vehicle's innovative blend of design and functionality. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a 360-degree panoramic cockpit, a sizable infotainment display, and luxurious midnight blue leather upholstery. Currently available on SBX Cars, the auction for this prototype started at €44,000 (about $46,840), and with the auction closing in five days, the price is anticipated to increase due to the car's rarity and its unique aspects. The eventual winner will not only acquire a significant piece of automotive prototype history but will also be given the exclusive option to order a customized production version of the XP-1, should it reach production, with the possibility to trade in the prototype as part of the purchase. This auction offers a rare opportunity to possess a notable example from one of the most innovative hypercar projects in recent times, highlighting a unique intersection of automotive history and advanced technology.

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Hydrogen and Fuel Cell News Flash for April 22, 2024