The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has made a surprise pivot to hydrogen.
Musk’s iconic electric car company Tesla has “sent shockwaves through the automotive industry” with plans to introduce its first hydrogen-powered vehicle, the Model H, in 2026.
The move has garnered widespread coverage and the Texas Mount Bonnell website said the move “comes as a response to increasing competition in the electric vehicle market, particularly from Chinese manufacturers like BYD”.
“Musk has previously been a vocal critic of hydrogen fuel cell technology. However, the company now aims to diversify its product offerings and cater to a broader market segment by incorporating fuel cells to generate electricity for its vehicles,” the website said.
The hydrogen-powered car would potentially offer longer range (20% further) and faster refueling times (30min or 5-10min fast charge) compared to traditional battery-electric vehicles.
The change almost certainly reflects advancements in hydrogen technology as developers realise its carbon-free edge.
It is a particularly bold move considering the push to man-made green hydrogen is stalling over cost pressures but comes as a boost to natural hydrogen explorers like Gold Hydrogen, as it means some of the smartest minds in the world continue to believe in the viability of the gas.
Full article here.
Meanwhile, in another sign of growing commitment to new development of hydrogen infrastructure, South Australia has secured world-first 100% hydrogen-capable turbines in a pioneering clean energy effort.
The Government has partnered with GE Vernova to deploy the world’s first 100% hydrogen-capable gas turbines at Whyalla’s new hydrogen power plant, marking a major progression in its Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
The planned commissioning of the turbines is set for early 2026.
The Whyalla hydrogen plant is projected to generate 200 megawatts (MW) of power.
Details here.