Cover: via https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-28/diesel-mining-truck-converted-to-electric-to-lower-emissions/104230918
From Envisioning.com: Hydrogen-Powered Mining Fleets, or Replacing diesel mining equipment with hydrogen fuel cell powertrains to cut emissions:
The mining industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its substantial carbon footprint, with diesel-powered heavy machinery representing one of the sector’s most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional haul trucks, excavators, and other mining equipment consume enormous quantities of diesel fuel, not only contributing to climate change but also creating hazardous air quality conditions for workers in confined mining environments. Hydrogen-powered mining fleets address this challenge by replacing conventional diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains that convert hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical process, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. These systems combine hydrogen storage tanks, fuel cell stacks that generate electricity on demand, and electric motors that deliver the high torque and power required for heavy-duty mining operations. The technology is particularly well-suited to mining applications because it can match the performance characteristics of diesel engines while eliminating direct emissions at the point of use.
https://www.envisioning.com/research/stratum/hydrogen-mining-fleets
Ok, so the mining industry has machines that replace ‘conventional diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains that convert hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical process, producing only water vapor as a byproduct.’
Last I remember hydrogen-powered engines couldn’t possibly work, which meant we remained reliant on fossil-fuel burning petrol engines. As it happens, apparently, we are capable of making hydrogen-powered engines, and they’re in use in the mining industry–or at least, available to them.
Is there a reason we’re not mass-producing cars with hydrogen engines lol? What am I missing?
Oh right, fossil fuel dividends. Well that settles the issue huh.
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