For decades, manufacturers have sought to create an environmentally sustainable, functional, and cost-effective engine. While electric engines have dominated the market, Norway is now leading the charge with a groundbreaking engine that runs on 100% pure hydrogen, potentially revolutionizing the future of sustainable energy.

Advances in Hydrogen-Powered Engines

Norway, through Bergen Engines—a leading researcher, developer, and manufacturer of engines for both land and marine vehicles—has made significant strides in hydrogen fuel technology. Their natural gas-powered engines are already capable of operating with a mixture that includes 25% hydrogen at full load, marking a crucial step towards cleaner and more energy-efficient machinery. This innovation builds on their earlier success in commercializing a 15% hydrogen blend in 2022.

Towards a 100% Hydrogen-Powered Future

Bergen Engines is at the forefront of hydrogen technology, claiming to be the first manufacturer to produce a fully functional and tested engine that operates on a 40% hydrogen blend. Field tests, conducted in 2023 in Cáseda, Spain, with the assistance of Viscofan, have brought the company closer to achieving the ultimate goal: an engine that runs on 100% hydrogen fuel.

Studies by Bergen Engines reveal that hydrogen, especially when combined with natural gas, offers significant advantages. Hydrogen-fueled engines produce very low greenhouse gas emissions while delivering high performance and efficiency—key attributes in the smooth transition to sustainable energy sources.

Innovative Design and Upcoming Milestones

The construction of the engine capable of running on a 100% hydrogen fuel mix is expected to be completed in the final months of this year. Subsequent tests will focus on functionality, performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional methods that inject hydrogen into a combustion antechamber, Norway is opting for direct injection into the cylinder. This innovative approach enhances performance by saving energy that would otherwise be lost, and it eliminates the need for downstream catalytic converters to reduce emissions.

However, one of the main challenges in manufacturing this engine is its size and weight. Hydrogen, being a high-pressure gas, requires a more robust structure and tightly sealed joints to prevent accidental leaks. Despite these challenges, the benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel far outweigh the complexities, making it a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Exploring Other Environmentally Friendly Fuels

Norway’s commitment to sustainable energy doesn’t stop with hydrogen. Bergen Engines is also exploring the use of other environmentally friendly fuels, such as ammonia and methane, further expanding the range of green solutions available. In collaboration with FME Mar Trans, they have established an industrial alliance focused on reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption in the maritime sector while promoting the use of alternative fuels like hydrogen.

Conclusion: A Pioneering Achievement

In conclusion, Norway, through the innovative efforts of Bergen Engines, is set to revolutionize the future of engine technology with the development of an engine that runs on 100% pure hydrogen. As a pioneer in this field, Norway is poised to make this technology commercially available by the middle of next year, offering a groundbreaking alternative to traditional electric and fossil-fuel engines. This advancement not only represents a significant leap forward in sustainable energy but also positions Norway as a global leader in the development of environmentally friendly engine technology.

By Impact Lab