How Not To Resurface An Intersection
I took these pictures in the City of London at the North end of Moorgate this morning, where the road is crossed by Eldon Street and Ropemaker Street.
Note.
- I had only gone to the area to get a 141 bus to travel home and found that no buses were running on Moorgate.
- There was no information or signs displayed to help travellers.
- The Marks and Spencer’s store appeared to be completely cut off.
- I believe that this road is the responsibility of the London Borough of Islington, not the City of London.
- Luckily, Leon was unexpectedly open, so I popped inside to have a delicious Full English, gluten-free breakfast and a cup of tea, before my walk.
- Also, one of their staff was tall enough to see over the road works and ascertain, that the buses were running in Finsbury Square.
With difficulty, I was able to walk to the next bus stop on Finsbury Square and get safely home.
I have a few thoughts.
This Was Mushroom Management At Its Worst!
All it needed was a few signs on the bus stop by Moorgate station and dotted around the site to explain the situation, but no-one took the responsibility to provide the information.
Surely, This Is The Type Of Site, Where Hydrogen Powered Construction Equipment Should Be Used!
- It would provide better atmosphere for workers and passers-by.
- Some equipment would be quieter.
Centrica Partners With Ceres Power On Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
The title of this post, is the same as this article on gasworld.
This is the sub-heading.
UK multinational energy and services company Centrica is partnering with clean tech firm Ceres Power to accelerate solid oxide fuel cells [SOFCs] production to meet forecasted ‘multi-gigawatt’ demand from industrial customers across Europe.
These three paragraphs indicate the market opportunity, that Centrica feel, that the partnership will fill.
With electricity grid connection delays impacting new industrial, commercial and digital projects, the UK and Europe are experiencing a widening gap between demand and available capacity.
Centrica aims to offer customers high‑efficiency, low‑carbon, grid independent on‑site power that can be deployed much faster than gas turbines or nuclear.
Group Chief Executive Chris O’Shea said by collaborating with Ceres’ technology it sees an opportunity to support data centres, AI and industry with cleaner power at scale. Ceres claims SOFCs can be manufactured and delivered on site to get power online “in months not years”.
It certainly sounds feasible to drop in an appropriate-sized stack of fuel cells and connect them up to the gas main.
These two paragraphs, indicate how Ceres will support Centrica.
Initially, Ceres will support Centrica in expanding a new differentiated service-led model for clean power, providing access to British technology through its expanding network of global manufacturing partners.
Ceres will assist Centrica with opportunities across project origination, installation and commissioning, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and end of life recycling.
I have a few questions for Google AI.
Do Ceres Fuel Cells Emit Carbon Dioxide?
Google AI replied this.
Yes, Ceres Power has developed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, known as the SteelCell®, that works on natural gas. This technology is specifically designed to be fuel-flexible, capable of converting grid natural gas into electricity at high efficiency.
Key Details About Ceres Fuel Cells and Natural Gas:
Technology Capability: The Ceres SteelCell runs on natural gas, as well as future-focused fuels like hydrogen and biogas.
Application: These fuel cells are used for distributed power generation in homes, businesses, and industrial settings (such as AI data centres).
Efficiency: When running on natural gas, the SOFC systems can achieve an electrical efficiency of around 62%, with total efficiency exceeding 90% when combined with heat recovery.
Emission Reductions: Compared to conventional combustion engines, the technology offers a 30% reduction in carbon emissions.
Current Strategy: As of early 2026, Ceres is focusing on natural gas-fueled SOFCs for stationary power markets, particularly in collaboration with partners like Centrica to address power shortages in the UK and Europe.
While the systems can be used for hydrogen in the long term, they are currently fully functional with natural gas, making them a “bridge” technology for decarbonisation.
A 30% reduction is surely worthwhile!
In What Size Are Ceres Power Holdings Fuel Cells Manufactured?
Google AI replied this.
Ceres Power Holdings’ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is manufactured in modular, scalable sizes, with individual stacks ranging from 10-50 kW and commonly deployed in 1-5 MW power modules. These stacks are produced at manufacturing facilities with capacities like 50MW (e.g., with partner Doosan), with plans for up to 100MW annual capacity.
Key manufacturing and size details include:
Cell Component: 30–150W.
Stack: 10–50 kW.
Stack Array/Module: 100–500 kW, up to 1-5 MW modules.
Manufacturing Capacity: 50MW production facility in South Korea (Doosan), with plans for 100MW+ annual capacity in future plants.
Applications: Primarily stationary, distributed power systems for AI data centres, industrial decarbonisation, and commercial buildings.
Ceres licenses its technology to partners like Bosch and Doosan, with cell technology based on low-cost printed steel substrate
How Much Power Does A Top Of The Range MRi Scanner Use?
I am asking this question, as it is surely something you might power with a Ceres fuel cell powered by natural gas.
Google AI replied this.
A top-of-the-range MRI scanner (such as a 3-Tesla or 7-Tesla system) is highly energy-intensive, consuming substantial power 24/7 to maintain its superconducting magnet. During active scanning, power usage often ranges from 25 kW up to 80 kW or more.
Here is a breakdown of the power consumption for high-end MRI scanners:
Power Consumption Breakdown
Idle/Stand-by Mode (24/7): The machine constantly consumes roughly 6 to 7 kW for background cooling (liquid helium refrigeration).
Standard Scanning: Productive scanning sessions typically demand around 25 kW.
High-Demand Scanning: Demanding examinations (e.g., head examinations with EPI sequences or special angles) can cause power usage to surge to 70 kW to 80 kW.
System Total: A 3T MRI, including cooling systems (chillers) and peripheral electronics, might require a 3-phase, 480V, 200A supply—roughly equivalent to the capacity of six modern houses.
Conclusion
This seems to be a deal with a large number of possibilities.
Speaking from my past experience of banks and financing, where the bill is ultimately paid by a reputable individual or company like Shell or BP, I believe that Centrica will have no difficulty in financing lots of these systemsusing instiutions like Lloyds or Deutsche Bank.
Two Thirds Of Sofia Wind Turbines Installed
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Seventy wind turbines have been installed at RWE’s Sofia offshore wind farm in the UK, according to a Notice to Mariners recently issued by the project team.
These two paragraphs give more details of the installation process.
The first of the project’s 100 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD wind turbines was installed in March 2025, and the work reached the halfway mark in September last year. The vessel deployed for the work is Cadeler’s Wind Peak, which is carrying components for six turbines per trip, operating from the port of Hull.
IWS service operation vessel (SOV) IWS Seawalker is supporting the wind turbine installation work.
Note.
- Sofia is being installed by German Company ; RWE.
- Sofa will use 14 MW Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, some of which have recyclable blades.
- The installation process is being carried out nearly 200 kilometers out to sea on the Dogger Bank.
The power will be connected to the grid at Lackenby substation, which is near the Wilton chemical works, which can certainly you the electricity.
Does Wilton Chemical Works Have A Power Station?
I asked GoogleAI, the question in the title of this section and received this reply.
Yes, the Wilton International industrial site (formerly associated with ICI chemical works) has multiple power stations and significant on-site energy generation, operated primarily by Sembcorp Utilities UK. The site features a biomass power station (Wilton 10), a further biomass unit (Wilton 11), and an energy-from-waste plant, supplying electricity and steam to chemical and industrial businesses on-site.
Note.
- Wilton 10 opened as a biomass power station in 2002.
- Wilton 11 opened as a biomass power station in 2016.
I seem to remember, that one of these power stations was there on my visits to Wilton for ICI in the 1970s.
Key details regarding power generation at Wilton:
Biomass & Waste-to-Energy:
The site transitioned from coal-fired units to renewable biomass and waste-to-energy, utilizing wood and other byproducts for power and heat generation.
Sembcorp Utilities:
Sembcorp operates the site’s energy infrastructure, which includes five different generation assets and a private wire network.
Capacity: The site hosts significant generation capacity, including a 52MW biomass unit and a 35MW unit.
Future Projects: The site is involved in developments for net-zero emissions, including the Whitetail Clean Energy project, which is planned as the UK’s first Net Zero emissions power plant with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
The site serves as a “plug and play” industrial location offering on-site, cost-effective energy.
Conclusion
This would appear to be a sensible small power system providing 1400 GW of wind power, backed up if needed be by the two biomass units, which total 87 MW.
Note, that ICI were storing gases under the site for many years, so I suspect, that Carbon Capture and Storage, might work well at this location.
I can see other places, where a wind farm, is combined with energy from waste for backup.
Are Wind Farms Being Backed Up By Energy From Waste Units In The UK?
I asked GoogleAI, the question in the title of this section and received this reply.
Yes, but only in a limited, complementary capacity, rather than as a direct, large-scale substitute for wind power.
Energy from Waste (EfW) units—commonly known as incinerators—are increasing in the UK, but their role in the grid is different from how we “back up” wind.
Here is a breakdown of how it works:
1. The Role of EfW (Baseload, not Backup)
Baseload Generation: EfW plants run 24/7 to burn waste. They provide a steady, consistent, predictable “baseload” of electricity (about 2–3% of UK supply).
Intermittency: Because they run constantly, they cannot ramp up and down quickly when the wind stops blowing. Therefore, they are not a “flexible” backup in the same way gas power plants are.
Partial Renewable: Around 50% of the energy produced by EfW is considered renewable (organic waste), helping the UK hit green targets.
2. What Actually Backs Up Wind?
When wind farms stop producing power during low-wind periods (often called “dunkelflaute”), the UK relies on other sources:
Natural Gas Plants: These are the primary, flexible backup that can ramp up instantly to fill gaps in renewable production.
Interconnectors: Imported electricity from other countries (e.g., Norway, France).
Battery Storage: Growing, but still small-scale compared to total demand.
3. How EfW Helps the Grid
EfW does assist the grid by providing system inertia and consistent, low-carbon, on-demand energy, reducing the need for more fossil fuels to be burnt at certain times. They are particularly useful for providing power when the grid is congested, but they do not specifically act as a “spare tire” for wind farms.
4. Future Trends
The government is looking to attach Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to EfW units, which would make them a low-carbon, dependable, and sustainable part of the energy mix by the 2030s.
In summary: EfW plays a part in supporting a greener grid, but it is not a direct substitute for the flexibility required to back up intermittent wind power.
5. Hydrogen Power
This is a section, that artificial intelligence has unsurprisingly left out, as no country has yet built the hydrogen storage and the power stations to generate the electricity, when it is needed.
But Note.
- SSE are building a big hydrogen store in Yorkshire at Aldbrough.
- Centrica are converting the Rough gas storage to a hydrogen store.
- SSE are building a 910 MW hydrogen-powered power station at Keadby.
- SSE are building a 1200 MW hydrogen-powered power station at Ferrybridge.
I suspect if you were building a chemical plant and Wilton fitted your budget, you would take a look.
University Of Alberta Partners With City of Edmonton And Diesel Tech Industries To Pilot Hydrogen-Diesel Bus Retrofits
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Pulse 2.0.
These two paragraphs introduce what is a comprehensive practical approach to decarbonising a fleet of diesel buses.
The University of Alberta is partnering with the City of Edmonton and Diesel Tech Industries to cut carbon emissions from Edmonton’s fleet of diesel-powered buses by integrating hydrogen fuel into existing combustion engines.
The initiative focuses on developing a practical retrofit approach to help transit agencies and other vehicle operators reduce emissions quickly without waiting for full fleet replacement. Project leaders say that if the pilot succeeds, the work could translate into a deployable solution for operators across Canada seeking near-term carbon reductions while maintaining current diesel assets.
Note.
- The City of Edmonton has around a thousand buses.
- Many of Edmonton’s buses have Cummins engines.
- Cummins are decarbonising the company and have developed hydrogen-conversions for some of their diesel engines.
- I am sure that this technique could be used to convert London’s thousand new Routemaster buses, with their Cummins engines.
This project seems to have a lot of possibilities to get very much larger.
Hydrogen In Aviation Offers Potential For Growth And Deeper Emissions Reductions, New Study Shows
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Rolls-Royce.
These five paragraphs compose the press release.
Rolls-Royce, easyJet, Heathrow and University College London Air Transportation Systems Lab (UCL ATSLab) published a report highlighting how hydrogen-powered aircraft could enable European and UK aviation to cut carbon emissions while supporting future growth.
The study, Enabling Hydrogen in the European Aviation Market, found that hydrogen in aviation offers a unique opportunity to achieve both emissions reduction and market expansion. The analysis shows that introducing hydrogen alongside Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can accelerate progress towards net zero, particularly when policy incentives reward low-carbon fuels and if hydrogen were to be included within the EU’s SAF mandate.
The research also found that targeted hydrogen infrastructure at around 20 major European airports, including Heathrow, could deliver more than 80% of the emissions benefits of full hydrogen availability across the continent. Concentrating investment at key ‘hydrogen hubs’ would therefore provide a practical and cost-effective path to early adoption.
Further modelling indicates that the earlier novel technologies, such as hydrogen, can be introduced, the more opportunity they present for CO2 emission reductions, underscoring the value of early technological transition where it is financially and technically viable.
The study is underpinned by UCL ATSLab’s Airline Behaviour Model (ABM), which represents the complexity of airline decision-making through specific behavioural variables. Building on this, the research evaluates how fuel costs, incentives and new technologies shape airline responses. This provides a research-based, realistic picture of how hydrogen adoption could evolve, highlighting both opportunities and potential challenges for adoption.
Note, these two sentences recommending early adoption of hydrogen.
- Concentrating investment at key ‘hydrogen hubs’ would therefore provide a practical and cost-effective path to early adoption.
- Further modelling indicates that the earlier novel technologies, such as hydrogen, can be introduced, the more opportunity they present for CO2 emission reductions.
I also suspect, that introducing hydrogen early, feeds back to reduce Co2 emissions.
But what is Trump’s considered view on hydrogen aircraft?
Google AI gives this answer to my question.
Donald Trump’s view on hydrogen for transportation, including potential use in aircraft, is highly skeptical due to perceived safety risks and effectiveness concerns, which generally aligns with his broader opposition to green energy initiatives. He has specifically criticized hydrogen-powered vehicles as being dangerous and “prone to blowing up”.
Note.
- I used to work in a hydrogen factory and it’s still producing hydrogen.
- I doubt Trump gets on well with Jennifer Rumsey, who is CEO of Cummins, who are one of the world’s largest diesel-engine companies, who are following a zero-carbon route.
- Is Formula One Likely To Go To Hydrogen Fuel? This would set the Cat Among The Pigeons
I also feel that this University College London study will create a string of converts to hydrogen.
Is Carbon Black Used To Make Offshore Electrical Cable?
I asked Google AI, the answer to this question and received this answer.
Yes, carbon black is extensively used to make offshore electrical cables. It serves two primary functions: providing electrical conductivity to specific components and offering UV protection to outer jacketing materials.
That seems a positive answer.
It also could be a very complementary one.
HiiROC have a process that splits any hydrocarbon gas including natural gas, chemical plant off gas and biomethane, into turquoise hydrogen and carbon black.
Two methods of bringing energy to the shore from an offshore wind farm are electricity and hydrogen, through a cable or pipe respectively.
This looks to me, that there could be a possibility to use one of Baldrick’s cunning hybrid plans to bring energy onshore using both hydrogen and electricity.
Effectively, the transmission and use of the system, would use both the hydrogen and carbon black produced by HiiROC.
Network Rail’s Test Track Take Centre Stage As Hydrogen Is Delivered By Rail For The First Time
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from GeoPura.
These three paragraphs introduce the story.
Network Rail, working with rail and energy partners Freightliner and GeoPura, has transported hydrogen for the first time on Britain’s rail network, marking a major step forward for both the rail and energy sectors.
The milestone was achieved yesterday (Wednesday 3 December) at Network Rail’s Test Tracks* site in Tuxford, where freight operator Freightliner hauled a train of gas containers from Doncaster to High Marnham – marking Britain’s first shipment of hydrogen by rail.
It was part of a rail and energy industry innovation event showcasing several hydrogen initiatives. This included the first re-engineered hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive – seen as a step towards replacing diesel – another milestone towards the rail industry’s goal of becoming net zero. The event also demonstrated HPU hydrogen-powered generators, lighting towers and support vehicles.
These two paragraphs describe Network Rail’s test track at Tuxford and GeoPura’s hydrogen production facility at High Marnham.
Network Rail’s site at Tuxford runs all the way to High Marnham, where it sits adjacent to HyMarnham Power, the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility operated by GeoPura and JG Pears. Built on the site of a former coal-fired power station, HyMarnham Power is one of the world’s first rail-connected hydrogen production facilities, and Network Rail’s Tuxford site will be the world’s first net-zero railway testing facility.
Currently, hydrogen is transported by road. This breakthrough marks a major step towards the rail network becoming a ready-made hydrogen distribution system, a rolling pipeline, with connections to all major industrial and urban centres across Britain – proving the practical capability of rail to transport hydrogen at scale. Hydrogen will also be utilised to decarbonise wider rail operations, from construction to ongoing maintenance and off-grid operations.
This OpenRailwayMap shows Tuxford and High Marnham.
Note.
- The blue arrow is Tuxford West junction.
- The North-South red track is the East Coast Main Line. East-West track indicated by the blue arrow is Network Rail’s Test Track
- The grey area, to the South of the Test Track in the East is the former site of High Marnham power station, where GeoPura have their hydrogen facility.
- If you continue East on the Test Track it connects to the Sheffield and Lincoln Line at Pye Wipe junction.
Sheffield could be the sort of city, that would need a lot of hydrogen to decarbonise.
Has Hydrogen Been Transported From ICI’s Former Site At Runcorn By Rail
I ask this question, as I used to work at Runcorn in the 1960s, and I don’t remember seeing any hydrogen railway wagons.
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this section and received this answer.
Hydrogen is typically transported from the INEOS (formerly ICI) site in Runcorn via pipeline or by road in cryogenic liquid tanker trucks or gaseous tube trailers, but it has not been historically transported by rail from that specific site.
The first ever trial shipment of hydrogen by rail on Britain’s network took place only very recently, in December 2025, as part of an industry innovation event. This trial involved transporting hydrogen containers from Doncaster to High Marnham, adjacent to the HyMarnham Power green hydrogen production facility.
It looks like my memory and Google AI agree.
Centrica Energy And Exodus Sign Landmark LNG Agreement
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Centrica.
This is the sub-heading.
Centrica Energy has announced the signing of a long-term Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Exodus for Honduras, marking a new milestone in the country’s energy development.
These two paragraphs add more details.
Under the terms of the agreement, Centrica will deliver approximately six LNG cargoes per year to Exodus through a ship-to-ship operation into the Floating Storage Unit (FSU) Bilbao Knutsen, located in Puerto Cortes. The 15-year contract is expected to commence in 2026.
“This agreement reflects Centrica Energy’s commitment to expanding global LNG access through strategic partnerships,” said Arturo Gallego, Global Head of LNG at Centrica Energy. “By leveraging our global reach and operational expertise, we’re proud to support Exodus and Honduras in its journey toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.”
It looks a good deal for Centrica, that has been snatched from under the American’s noses.
I also asked Google AI, if Honduras produced any natural gas and received this reply.
No, Honduras does not produce natural gas, but it is importing it through a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreement that begins in 2026. The country relies on imports to meet its energy needs, and this new deal aims to diversify its energy mix and provide cleaner energy for power generation.
That’s clear and it’s interesting that Honduras are looking to provide cleaner energy.
These two paragraphs from Centrica’s press release add details on power generation in Honduras.
The LNG will be transported to the Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant, an operating 150 MW thermal facility with its combined cycle under construction and set to reach 240 MW of power capacity, marking the first-ever import of natural gas for power generation in Honduras. This initiative represents a significant step toward diversifying the nation’s energy mix and reducing its reliance on less environmentally friendly fossil fuels.
Once operational, the FSU will serve as the backbone of LNG storage at a new terminal currently under construction on Honduras’ Caribbean coast. The project is designed to enhance energy security, improve generation efficiency, and support industrial growth.
This article on Riviera is entitled Honduras Turns To LNG To Meet Energy Needs and provides these points.
- Honduras is grappling with a 250 MW power shortage.
- Genesis Energías is spearheading efforts to introduce a reliable and cost-effective energy source by importing liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- Hyundai, who are one of Centrica’s partners in HiiROC, are converting the Bilbao Knutsen for its new role as a Floating Storage Unit (FSU).
It would certainly help Honduras’s economy, if they had more power generation.
I asked Google AI, if Honduras was developing offshore wind power and received this reply.
While Honduras has been actively developing onshore wind power for over a decade, there is currently no information to suggest it is developing offshore wind power projects. The country’s wind energy development has focused exclusively on land-based projects, with a number of operational farms and more in the pipeline.
I also asked Google AI if Honduras was developing solar power and received this reply.
Yes, Honduras is actively and significantly developing its solar power capacity as a cornerstone of its national energy strategy. The country has been a regional leader in solar energy penetration and continues to invest heavily in new projects to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
But, whether its offshore wind, onshore wind or solar power, these renewals will need backup and the 240 MW Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant, will be a good start.
I have some further thoughts.
Does HiiROC Have A Part To Play?
If would be good, if the 240 MW Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant could be zero-carbon, so that Honduras could be more zero-carbon.
Consider.
- Centrica own part of HiiROC, who can generate turquoise hydrogen efficiently from natural gas.
- Honduras will from 2026, have plenty of natural gas.
- In Hydrogen Milestone: UK’s First Hydrogen-to-Power Trial At Brigg Energy Park, I talked about how Centrica powered Brigg power station with a hydrogen blend.
- If the Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant was reasonably-modern like Brigg, I suspect it could be run on hydrogen or a hydrogen-blend.
- A reliable supply of hydrogen in Honduras would have its uses.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a HiiROC plant in Honduras to help decarbonise the country.
HiiROC Creates A Lot Of Carbon Black
When a HiiROC system produces turquoise hydrogen, it produces carbon black as a by-product.
I asked Google AI, if Honduras has a use for carbon black, and received this reply.
Honduras likely has a use for carbon black because the material is a vital component in the production of many common industrial and consumer goods that are used globally. The primary applications are universal across most countries, including those in Central America.
But carbon black can also be used to improve poor agricultural land.
So I asked, Google AI, if Honduras has a lot of land to improve and received this reply.
Yes, Honduras has significant land to improve, but this is complicated by issues like deforestation, land degradation, and a lack of clear land rights for many communities. There is a need to balance economic activities like coffee plantations with conservation, improve sustainable agriculture practices, and address illegal land occupation.
It seems to me, that a sensible hollistic approach could use some of the carbon black.
I also believe, that there are many universities, who could advise Honduras on land restoration.
Does Highview Power Have A Part To Play?
Consider.
- Centrica are one of the backers of Highview Power, who are building their first two environmentally-friendly liquid air batteries in the UK.
- Their flagship battery is a 300 MW/3.2 GWh monster that can incorporate a stability island, that controls the grid.
- Highview Power’s batteries are zero-carbon, with a 40-50 year life.
As a Control Engineer, I believe that one of these batteries would be superb backup for the Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant and all those renewables.
Where Will Centrica Get Their LNG For Honduras?
I have already reported on two deals, where Centrica is purchasing LNG.
- Centrica Enters Into Long Term Natural Gas Sale & Purchase Agreement
- Centrica And PTT Sign Heads Of Agreement For Long-Term LNG Supply
I can expect more deals like this around the world.
Also, as the Grain LNG Terminal has the ability to export LNG could we be seeing UK natural gas being exported by Centrica to Honduras and the other countries hinted at in the PTT purchase?
Are Centrica Proposing A Comprehensive Solution To A Nation’s Power Problem?
It certainly looks like they are.
And Honduras would be getting a zero-carbon energy system.
This could be repeated all around the world.
Conclusion
This certainly looks like a good deal for Centrica, that can be repeated in other places.
What Happened To The Toyota Hydrogen-Powered HiLux?
I wrote about this vehicle in Toyota Unveils Prototype Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hilux, but I’ve not heard any more.
So I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this reply.
The Toyota hydrogen-powered Hilux is currently in the demonstration and evaluation phase and has not been officially confirmed for mass production. Ten prototypes were built in the UK and are undergoing testing, with some being used for customer and media demonstrations at events like the Paris Olympics. Toyota is using this project to gather data, refine its hydrogen technology, and prepare for a future European market that could see the vehicle go on sale around 2028.
A simple Google search produced this YouTube video and this article in the Toyota UK magazine.
I don’t want to drive one, as that would be illegal, but I have just added riding in one of these beasts to my bucket list.
Toyota Have Gone To The Advanced Propulsion Centre For Their Latest Project
In Toyota Leads Multi-Million-Pound Micromobility Research Project, I write about another project, where Toyota have approached the Advanced Propulsion Centre for funding and technical help. So the Advanced Propulsion Centre must be doing something right, to attract another project from Toyota.
In CoacH2 – The Next Generation Coach, I write about how the Advanced Propulsion Centre are helping to develop the powertrain for Wrightbus’s upcoming hydrogen-powered coach.
It certainly looks like the Advanced Propulsion Centre are in the middle of the net-zero transport revolution.
Unlocking Efficiency With Cryogenic Cooling Of GaN Traction Inverters
The title of this post, is the same as this insight on the Ricardo web site.
This is the introduction.
As the mobility sector accelerates toward zero-carbon propulsion, hydrogen fuel cell systems (HFCS) are emerging as a cornerstone technology for aviation, marine, and long-haul road transport. Among the most promising innovations in this space is the use of liquid hydrogen (LH₂) not only as a fuel source but also as a cryogenic coolant for electric powertrains. This dual-purpose approach offers transformative potential in system efficiency, packaging, and weight reduction—especially when paired with Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors.
It is a very simple concept, but it appears to give worthwhile efficiency gains.
This was the article’s conclusion.
Ricardo’s cryogenic GaN inverter concept represents a bold leap toward ultra-efficient, lightweight, and integrated hydrogen propulsion systems. While challenges remain in materials, packaging, and reliability, the experimental results are compelling. With efficiencies nearing 99.8% and mass reductions over 50%, cryogenic cooling could redefine the future of electric mobility.
As the hydrogen economy matures, innovations like this will be pivotal in delivering clean, scalable, and high-performance solutions across all mobility sectors.
I very much suggest, that you take the time to read the whole insight.
Using The Concept In a Liquid Hydrogen Carrier
This Wikipedia entry describes the design and operation of an ocean-going liquid hydrogen carrier.
This is a paragraph.
Similar to an LNG carrier the boil off gas can be used for propulsion of the ship.
Ricardo’s concept would appear to be advantageous in the design of liquid hydrogen carriers and I would expect, it could also be applied to the design of LNG carriers.
I would not be surprised to see liquid hydrogen and LNG carriers were the first application of Ricardo’s concept.
This Wikipedia entry describes the Suiso Frontier, which is the world’s only liquid hydrogen carrier.
I believe that Ricardo’s concept could lead to the construction of a more of these ships. Will they mean that liquid hydrogen carriers will deliver hydrogen from sunny climes to places like Europe, Japan, Korea and Canada.
The concept would also enable efficient small liquid hydrogen carriers, that could deliver hydrogen on routes like the North of Scotland to Germany.
Using The Concept In A Railway Locomotive
I could see freight locomotives being designed as a large liquid hydrogen tank with appropriately-sized fuel cells and added electrical gubbins.
- They would be self-powered and would not require any electrification.
- They would be much quieter than current diesels.
- They could pull the heaviest freight trains, between Europe and Asia.
- They could even pull passenger trains, if an electrical hotel supply were to be arranged.
- They could be designed with very long ranges.
But above all they would be zero-carbon.
Note that I’ve written about long freight routes before.
- China, Russia And The EU’s Intermarium Bloc
- How To Move 100,000 Containers A Year Between Germany And China
- Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran Discuss New Freight Corridor To link India And Europe
- Finland And Norway To Explore Building Arctic Rail Link
- A New Gateway To China: Europe Prepares For The Launch Of Baku–Tbilisi–Kars Railway
I believe that a long-distance liquid-hydrogen locomotive, that was based on the Ricardo concept, would be ideal for some of these routes.
A Specialised Hydrogen Delivery Train
In April 2022, I wrote The TruckTrain, where this is a simple description of the concept.
The Basic Design Concept
The leaflet on their web site describes the concept.
This visualisation at the bottom of the leaflet shows four TruckTrains forming a train carrying twelve intermodal containers, each of which I suspect are 20 feet long.
I believe that the TruckTrain concept could be converted into a hydrogen delivery train.
- It would be an appropriate length.
- It would be powered by the on-board hydrogen.
- The hydrogen would be stored as liquid hydrogen.
It would be able to go most places on the UK rail network.
Conclusion
Ricardo’s concept could revolutionise the use of hydrogen.