SoCal Team Wins International Teen Hydrogen Race in Anaheim
– Students raced home-built clean energy cars, 14 nations took part in the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final
– Event was aimed at building a next-generation clean energy and hydrogen workforce in SoCal.
– Winning team ‘been working towards this for the last four years’.
ANAHEIM, CA, September 12th 2024: A group of SoCal High School students have claimed victory on the world stage, racing home-built clean energy cars to victory against 14 nations in the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) competition. The H2GP is designed to build a next-generation clean energy and hydrogen workforce in SoCal, with students learning how to create their very own 1:10 scale hydrogen car that emits nothing but water vapor.
“It feels great. It feels wonderful. We've been working towards this for the last four years. We've been on our school's team since freshman year and it's been a challenge for us at times, but we're so happy to be here,” said the captain of the winner team from Oakwood Secondary School.
The event, which challenged students to design and engineer a model hydrogen fuel cell electric car, was designed to help young people get interested in a career in clean energy and hydrogen. By integrating STEM education with hands-on learning, the H2GP program aims to empower students to tackle the challenges of a sustainable future.
Nicola Weiss, Executive Director of the H2GP Foundation, said:
"The H2GP is not just a race; it's a movement. It's about giving young people the tools and knowledge they need to drive the future of clean energy. The skills these students have developed—problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering—are critical for the advancement of hydrogen as a cornerstone of the global energy transition.”
The weeks-long event saw fierce competition as teams from across the globe raced their hydrogen-powered cars in a bid to take home the top prize. The Southern California team’s victory is a reflection of the growing talent and passion for renewable energy among young people in the region. The achievement not only highlights the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source but also underscores the importance of educational initiatives that prepare the next generation for careers in this critical field.
The event was sponsored by Toyota Mirai, SoCalGas, Suburban Propane, ARCHES H2, and Horizon Educational.
“We are thrilled to be taking part and expanding our partnership efforts to support the Horizon Grand Prix - World Finals,” a Toyota Spokesperson said. “All students, teachers, and schools have put in a tremendous amount of effort to earn their spot at the coveted World Finals race. It has been immensely impactful to see each team’s commitment to STEM development, knowledge, teamwork, and perseverance - driving change for the advancement of future generations.”
“We are proud to be part of the H2 Grand Prix and to support the talented students who are shaping the future of hydrogen energy,” said Nandini Sankara, spokesperson for Suburban Propane and Suburban Renewables. “Our sponsorship underscores our belief in the transformative potential of hydrogen and our commitment to investing in the innovators who will propel the industry forward. By supporting this event, we aim to inspire and encourage the next generation of leaders in hydrogen technology, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive and drive meaningful progress in sustainable energy solutions.”
"ARCHES is proud to be part of the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) competition to inspire the next generation of hydrogen leaders," said Angelina Galiteva, CEO, ARCHES. "The remarkable achievements by these students on the world stage not only highlight hydrogen’s role as a viable clean energy solution but also underscore the importance of investing in our youth to help shape the future of energy in California and beyond."
Kamil Jelinek, CEO of Horizon Educational, said:
"Horizon Educational is committed to fostering the development of clean energy skills among the next generation. As we face the global energy transition, it's imperative that we equip our youth with the knowledge and experience needed to lead in the hydrogen economy. Events like the H2GP are crucial in ensuring that today's students are tomorrow's innovators and leaders in sustainable energy."
The conclusion of the race also marks the beginning of the next H2GP season, with the H2GP Foundation looking to recruit schools, industry partners, and sponsors for the upcoming season. Interested parties can get in contact at [obfuscate_1_|104|101|93|103|58|103|41|94|104|40|110|105|94]
About The H2GP Foundation
The H2GP Foundation provides accessible, affordable, and engaging educational programs aimed at training a new generation of leaders in hydrogen and sustainable energy. The Foundation is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundational understanding of renewable energy concepts through hands-on learning while empowering today’s young minds and nurturing them into leaders, innovators, and future stewards of the environment. The Foundation plays a key role in creating academic and professional pathways for young people to participate in the emerging green economy, while bridging the renewable energy knowledge gap in underserved communities. Discover more at h2gp.org.
About Toyota Mirai
Mirai means future in Japanese, which is the perfect name for a car that brings a zero-emission future to the present. Using fuel cell technology, the Mirai combines hydrogen with air to make its own electricity, emitting nothing but water. This second-generation Mirai brings a stunning design, more engaging driving performance with rear-wheel-drive, and a range of 402 EPA-estimated miles on the Mirai XLE grade. The Toyota Mirai, the future is now.
About Suburban Renewables
Formed in 2022, Suburban Renewable Energy, LLC ("Suburban Renewables") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suburban Propane, L.P., formed to serve as a platform for investments in renewable energy assets and technologies. Suburban Renewables also drives long-term strategic growth and diversification efforts for Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. by identifying new areas of investment, strategic partnerships, and collaborations within the renewable energy space. For additional information, visit www.suburbanrenewables.com.
About ARCHES H2
ARCHES is a public-private partnership to create a sustainable statewide clean hydrogen (H2) hub in California and beyond, utilizing local renewable resources to produce hydrogen with the objective to fully decarbonize the regional economy, while prioritizing environmental justice, equity, economic leadership, and workforce development.
About Horizon Educational
Founded in 2003, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies began the sale of miniature fuel cells to demonstrate the technology to schools and students around the world. In 2013, Horizon Educational Group was formed as an independent division dedicated to the deployment of educational solutions. Horizon Educational develops, produces, and distributes hands-on teaching material and didactic equipment, as well as online curriculums and educational programs. With distributors in over 80 countries, Horizon Educational’s STEM kits and technical training equipment have an international reputation for quality, educational content, and award-winning design. Discover more at horizoneducational.com.