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MIT startup says it can turn diesel trucks into cheaper hydrogen haulers — seeit at Disrupt
MIT startup LNK Energies is developing a technology to convert diesel trucks into cheaper hydrogen-powered vehicles. This innovation could reduce pollution and costs, especially as diesel prices rise due to geopolitical tensions. By using liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), LNK aims to make hydrogen transport easier and cheaper, allowing hydrogen to be burned in modified diesel engines or used in fuel cells.
Key points
- LNK Energies has developed a method to convert diesel trucks to hydrogen, reducing pollution and operational costs as diesel prices surge.
- The technology utilizes liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) to transport hydrogen, eliminating the need for high-pressure storage.
- The reactor for separating hydrogen from LOHCs has been miniaturized to fit on trucks, saving energy by not requiring high compression.
- Trucks using this technology will initially cost more but can operate more cheaply than diesel, projected to price hydrogen at $6.50 per gallon.
- The conversion allows for continued use of existing engine designs with minor modifications for combustion or can utilize fuel cells.
Why it matters
- The urgency to shift from diesel is heightened due to rising prices and geopolitical events, similar to past oil crises.
- The transition to hydrogen is aligned with global trends focusing on sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
- Hydrogen fuel technology has gained attention in the transport sector, marking a shift toward cleaner energy sources amidst increasing environmental regulations.
LNK Energies represents a significant innovation in sustainable transport, potentially revolutionizing the trucking industry by providing a cost-effective, hydrogen-based alternative to diesel amidst rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.