Not only will the engines be capable of running on hydrogen, but these will also additionally be able to run on a variety of zero-emission fuels that will help broaden the low-carbon mobility sector.

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These new fuel-agnostic engine platforms will feature a series of engine versions that are derived from a common base engine, which means they have a high degree of parts commonality.

Below the head gasket of each engine will largely have similar components and above the head gasket will have different components for different fuel types.

Each engine version will operate using a different, single fuel.

By developing one engine that can run on hydrogen it can provide a significant boost to the hydrogen mobility sector and create further demand for the clean energy carrier.

It also presents a way in which to convert current fleets of vehicles to run on low-carbon technologies providing an opportunity for companies to test hydrogen fuel at a lower cost in comparison to investing in fuel cell fleets.

Srikanth Padmanabhan, President of Cummins Engine Business, said, “Getting to zero is not a light-switch event. Carbon emissions that we put into the atmosphere today will have a lasting impact. This means anything we can do to start reducing the carbon footprint today is a win for the planet. We need to take action now.

“Having a variety of lower carbon options is particularly important considering the variation in duty cycles and operating environments across the many markets we serve. There is no single solution or “magic bullet” that will work for all application types or all end users.”

Cummins: Paving the way to a hydrogen economy

Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to leverage renewable energy for a flexible, low-carbon power supply. Hydrogen offers a solution. Using renewable sources such as sun, wind, or hydro energy through electrolysis to produce hydrogen emits no greenhouse gasses.

This is commonly referred to as green hydrogen. Energy from renewables can be converted into hydrogen using an electrolyser and utilised in several ways – from hydrogen fuel cell trucks, buses and trains, to ships powered by liquid ammonia made from hydrogen, to a substitute for natural gas for heating homes.

For several years, Cummins has been focusing on solutions that use materials and technologies that have less impact on the planet to deliver value and prosperity for our customers and communities.

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