SWITCH Maritime gets $10M to expand hydrogen and electric ferry fleet
In order to expand its fleet, US-based SWITCH Maritime, a firm creating electrified, emission-free boats using hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, has raised $10 million in a Series A investment headed by Nexus Development Capital.
The goal of SWITCH, which was founded in 2018 by an experienced group of pioneers in the marine energy transition, is to make it easier for private and public municipal ferry operators to replace existing fleets of carbon-intensive, diesel-powered vehicles while also lowering operational and fuel expenses over the course of the boats’ lifetimes.
Saudi Arabia is testing hydrogen-powered trains in Riyadh
As part of its ambitious transport policy and pro-environment initiatives, Saudi Arabia is testing hydrogen-powered trains in its capital, Riyadh—the first in the Middle East.
Following the signing of a contract with Alstom, a French producer of rolling stock, to prepare this kind of train service to fit the kingdom’s climate, the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) began testing the service last month.
Crowley, Trafigura, and Chevron spend $8.75M in US hydrogen company
The $8.75 million Series A fundraising round headed by Chevron New Energies, in which Trafigura and Crowley participated, was successfully concluded by the hydrogen technology company Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) to finance the launch of its next-generation fully integrated marine power system.
ZEI, formerly known as Golden Gate Zero Emission, was established in 2017 with the goal of creating hydrogen-based technologies for use in maritime environments.
The Sea Change ferry project, which saw the launch of the first commercial hydrogen fuel cell vessel in the world in San Francisco Bay in 2021, involved the corporation as well.
ZEI intends to provide integrated fuelling and power system solutions in 2024, allowing users to switch to electric power with no emissions.
Lhyfe opens South Yorkshire office
After opening an initial site in the North East of the United Kingdom, French hydrogen company Lhyfe has announced a move into South Yorkshire.
Having determined that Sheffield offers “exceptional supply chain potential” and is a hotbed of hydrogen research, the alternative fuel specialist has launched an office there. The new Lhyfe location will be run by renewable energy specialist Stuart Sinclair and located in the Wizu Workspace in the city center.
Japan Airlines explores feasibility of hydrogen-powered airplanes
Japan Airlines is investigating whether it would be feasible to power airplanes in the future using hydrogen-electric engines. To this end, the airline is collaborating with three engineering firms to examine aspects including maintainability and safety.
The Japanese flag carrier announced that it has inked contracts with three businesses that specialize in hydrogen-electric aircraft. This is a component of a project that aims to decarbonize commercial airline flights by putting hydrogen-fueled aircraft into service for regional routes around Japan.
