Hydrogen has the potential to power internal combustion engines (ICEs), including on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment, and large marine engines. Despite its promise to reduce climate change emissions such as carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants, hydrogen has largely remained underutilized in the U.S.
Officials at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), the University of Michigan, and several industry partners are working to change that with the launch of the Hydrogen Engine Alliance of North America (H2EA-NA). The alliance will promote hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel that can complement ICE vehicles while supporting the transition to electric and other zero emission technologies.
“Our goal is to leverage hydrogen as a low-carbon solution that can enhance the performance and sustainability of internal combustion engines,” said Georgios Karavalakis, co-director of H2EA-NA and professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UCR. “Hydrogen-powered ICEs can provide a long-term, reliable solution, particularly for applications where battery electric or fuel cell vehicles may not meet consumer performance requirements.”
A recent demonstration by Southwest Research Institute of hydrogen ICE technology in a heavy-duty truck showed ultra-low emissions of nitrogen oxides, or NOx, which react in the atmosphere with other pollutants to form lung irritating ozone. The NOx levels were far below those achievable with conventional diesel-powered trucks. This reinforces the potential for hydrogen to help achieve meaningful reductions in transportation-related emissions.
Karavalakis and Wayne Miller, also a professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UCR, will serve as co-directors of H2EA-NA. Karavalakis brings expertise in combustion engines, low- and zero-carbon fuels, and transportation emissions. Miller, a specialist in zero-carbon fuels, transportation emissions, and marine systems, played a critical role in the alliance’s formation.
“Hydrogen combustion engines are a critical component of the clean energy transition, offering a practical solution for sectors where electrification is not yet feasible,” Miller said.
André Boehman, a University of Michigan professor of mechanical engineering, will also join them as a co-director. Boehman’s research focuses on alternative fuels, fuel production, and energy conversion system thermodynamics.
“Our alliance will promote the advantages of hydrogen-powered ICEs,” Boehman said. “By fostering innovation and collaboration across sectors, H2EA-NA will ensure that ICEs contribute meaningfully to North America’s hydrogen ecosystem and transportation goals.”
By bringing together leaders from the automotive, energy, and government sectors, H2EA-NA aims to educate the public about hydrogen’s potential in the U.S. and build support for hydrogen infrastructure development.
Other founding members of the alliance include industry partners with expertise in building efficient engines to operate with hydrogen. Membership provides access to the latest technologies, market trends, and evolving industry standards.
Countries such as China, Germany, and Japan are at the forefront of hydrogen fuel development. For example, Germany’s Allianz Wasserstoffmotor, established in 2021, and the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, launched a year earlier, serve roles similar to H2EA-NA. However, the U.S. is currently behind in hydrogen fuel innovation.
“The U.S. has immense potential to lead in hydrogen fuel innovation, but significant barriers in infrastructure, policy, and public awareness have slowed progress,” Karavalakis said. “While the technologies exist, they are costly due to complexity and the need for expensive raw materials.”
H2EA-NA will be funded through annual membership fees from participating companies, with funds directed to the UC Riverside Foundation, a non-profit organization. These fees will be equally split between UCR and the University of Michigan to support alliance operations.
For more information or to inquire about membership, visit the H2EA-NA website.
