25-05-22 Extreme H Tests Pioneering
New Hydrogen Event Power Solution
Extreme H, the worlds first hydrogen racing championship, marked its
latest major technical milestone today, with the successful first test of
its groundbreaking new hydrogen power solution which has five times the power
capability of the previously used Extreme E system.
The test, which took place at Siemens Energys UK facility in Newcastle,
centred around the next-generation Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU2), developed by
GeoPura, and included system integration with the series long-term sustainable
power supplier, Power Logistics.
Andy Welch, Extreme Hs Global Hydrogen Development Manager, said: Extreme
H will be famous for its hydrogen fuel cell racing cars, but they are only
half of the story as we are also trialling hydrogen technologies across the
whole event site in an effort to become the first sport to run entirely on
zero emission hydrogen.
We are immensely proud to be working alongside clean power pioneers
GeoPura and Power Logistics as we continue to scale our capabilities and showcase
hydrogens potential.
Witnessing the successful test of GeoPuras HPU2 hydrogen fuel
cell prototype today marks a major step forward, not just for our series,
but for the broader live events industry. Extreme H is an important global
test bed for real-world hydrogen solutions, proving whats possible and
accelerating the transition toward cleaner, more sustainable events worldwide.
With a more compact footprint than its HPU1 predecessor, reduced weight, and
significantly higher power density, the HPU2 delivers scalable, quiet, zero-emission
power - up to 50 MW when deployed at scale. Each unit generates 500 kW of
clean electricity, five times the prime output of HPU1. Operated continuously
over 24 hours, a single HPU2 could provide enough energy to power the equivalent
of 1,200 average UK homes for a day.
With these advancements reducing deployment costs, zero-emission energy systems
are becoming increasingly accessible not only across motorsport but also for
other energy-intensive and time-sensitive applications such as music festivals,
remote broadcast centres, and construction sites.
A defining feature of the HPU2 systems environmental performance is
its exclusive use of green hydrogen, which will be supplied by the championships
Green Hydrogen Partner, ENOWA. Green hydrogen is produced using exclusively
renewable energy sources, ensuring zero emissions not only during use, but
also throughout the production process. This enables Extreme Hs ambition
to set a new benchmark by powering their races, with power needs including
live broadcast, race control and operations, team garages, catering and more,
with fully emission-free power, whilst supporting ENOWAs mission to
accelerate hydrogens role in the global energy transition.
By utilising the system in a live event environment, Extreme H is not only
preparing for the future of zero-emission racing but also laying the groundwork
for the broader industrial adoption of green hydrogen technologies.
The collaboration between GeoPura and Power Logistics, strengthened through
this initiative, highlights the importance of technical partnerships in delivering
real-world energy transitions that are set to transform wider industries,
including live sporting and music events, remote broadcast, construction and
many more. The only emission from the HPU2 system is water.
Compared to its predecessor, the HPU1, which had an integrated battery system,
the HPU2 introduces a modular configuration with an external battery.
This new setup enables greater flexibility, allowing the system to operate
either as a standalone generator or in a hybrid format with supplementary
battery support. The battery and distribution technology is key to this adaptability,
ensuring that the system can meet diverse energy demands across complex environments.
Theo Elmer, GeoPuras Chief Technical Officer, said: HPU2 represents
a major leap forward in clean, scalable power. Its lighter, more powerful,
and more flexible than anything weve built before - designed specifically
to deliver in high-demand, high-performance environments like Extreme H. Were
proud to be working closely with Power Logistics and Extreme H to show whats
possible with hydrogen technology. Together, were proving that zero-emission
power can meet the demands of live motorsport and beyond and helping accelerate
the wider transition away from fossil fuels.
Extreme H will provide a valuable proving ground for both GeoPura and Power
Logistics, providing performance and operational insights that will guide
deployments across industries seeking to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based
generators, without compromising on reliability or output.
The upgraded battery, created by Greener Power Solutions, fits Power Logistics
specification and design recommendation and provides significantly upgraded
features to further enable the use of the GeoPura fuel cell system. This includes
dealing with increased fluctuating and sustained higher loads, multi-battery
synchronisation and the ability to work with larger sources of renewable energy
generation. This is crucial given the power plan which also involves greater
quantities of solar deployment.
Craig Hardeman, Power Logistics Innovation and Sustainability Development
Manager, said: Were incredibly proud of our constantly evolving
relationship with Extreme H, having been involved with Extreme E from the
outset.
Weve come a long way from the initial design and implementation
of a bespoke Energy Management Solution that incorporated an electrical package
built specifically to its power requirements whilst achieving its sustainability
goals. By effectively gathering and analysing data and incorporating new technologies
such as solar and hydrogen power weve been able to make energy and carbon
emission savings race on race. Were excited to be involved in the next
chapter.
Extreme H is proud to be a test bed for innovation and validate a new standard
in event power for solutions that extend far beyond the racetrack, driving
progress for global decarbonisation efforts through innovation, integration
and action. This collaboration stands to highlight how motorsport can drive
meaningful progress in sustainable energy innovation.
25-01-09 Extreme H Race Cars
Ready for Action
The FIA Extreme H World Cup, the worlds first hydrogen-powered off-road
motorsport, marked a major milestone today as Spark Racing Technology completed
production of its fleet of ten Pioneer25 race cars.
The Pioneer 25, built to meet the FIAs rigorous safety and performance
standards, represents the pinnacle of hydrogen-powered racing innovation.
Equipped with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cells, the cars emit only water vapour,
highlighting the series unwavering commitment to sustainability. The
vehicles feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering up to 400kW
(550hp) of power, and are capable of tackling the toughest terrains with precision
and speed.
Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme H, visited Spark Racing Technology HQ on the
outskirts of Paris, France, to witness the production firsthand. He commented:
The production of our ten car race fleet marks a major milestone as
we move closer to the launch of the FIA Extreme H World Cup. These cars are
not just groundbreaking in terms of technology; they represent the future
of sustainable motorsport, and we are ready to go.
Nicolas Wertans, Chairman of Spark Racing Technology, added: Spark Racing
Technology is incredibly honoured to deliver the Pioneer 25 race cars for
the FIA Extreme H World Cup. This project has pushed the boundaries of hydrogen
technology in motorsport, combining advanced engineering with sustainable
innovation. We believe these vehicles will set a new standard for hydrogen-powered
competition and inspire the future of clean energy solutions.
The car is designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology and equipped
with a hydrogen fuel cell from Symbio, and has undergone an intensive testing
program equivalent to three seasons of racing in readiness for its debut campaign.
Symbio has provided a 75kW hydrogen fuel cell replacing the battery as the
principal energy source. The hydrogen fuel cell powers the battery pack that
is produced and supported trackside by Fortescue ZERO. Hydrogen fuel cells
represent a technological revolution that is now becoming a widespread reality,
with this technology already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where
it provides the energy source to the vehicles batteries.
The Pioneer 25s peak 400kw (550hp) output is capable of firing the 2200
kilogram, 2.4 metre-wide race car from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and scale gradients
of up to 130 per cent.
Each Pioneer 25 raced in Extreme H comprises a common package of standardised
parts from Spark Racing Technology. The open areas for teams is the hydrogen
fuel cell, which gives a crucial opportunity to test out this technology,
plus the ability to style bodywork elements in order to replicate the look
of everyday car models.
Extreme H builds on the foundation of Extreme E, the electric off-road championship
that has pushed boundaries in performance, equality, and environmental awareness.
Extreme H, which will get started later in 2025, will continue this legacy
by demonstrating the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy solution while
delivering thrilling racing action.
With production now complete, the countdown to the FIA Extreme H World Cup
is officially underway fans around the world can anticipate a groundbreaking
series that combines cutting-edge technology, sustainable innovation, and
high-adrenaline competition. Further details on the competition will be announced
over coming months.