More on ZEVs and Hydrogen

Andy Adams

October 18, 2022

You will be interested to read our story this week, “Volvo Penta and CMB.TECH partner on dual-fuel hydrogen engines”. Only a couple of weeks ago, we ran a story titled, “CIB Launches $500 Million Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative, accelerating new investment in Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure across Canada.”

Hydrogen was simply not on my radar screen until I read that story and at first, I thought it was a fanciful plan that was far off in the future. But then this week’s Volvo Penta dual-fuel hydrogen story arrived. This may be a lot closer than I realized. (READ MORE)

After “Googling” hydrogen and learning a bit, I would say there is a lot going on. There are a few ways of producing hydrogen and to use it as a fuel, it will probably need to be compressed to about 5,000 psi and stored in composite tanks, but it seems that’s not a big barrier.

Producing hydrogen (which is the most abundant element on the planet) requires processing because hydrogen does not exist as a single element – it’s always combined with other elements for example, water: H2O. Hydrogen can be electrolyzed from water, but that requires a lot of energy.

At the moment an estimated 95% of hydrogen is made from methane. It can be produced by thermochemical or pyrolitic means using renewable feedstocks, but that has been an expensive process. Where this gets interesting is at the intersection of other environmental activities.

Two weeks ago, a press release came out from a company called CHAR Technologies Ltd. It was announcing that the Canadian government had invested $1.5 million in development support for their proprietary High Temperature Pyrolysis (HTP) technology.

Pyrolysis can contribute to methane reduction in two of the three industry sectors that are the focus of the federal environmental plans: the waste sector by processing biodegradable materials diverted from landfills and other disposal sites, and the agricultural sector by processing animal manure and crop residues. CHAR Technologies HTP systems transform this waste into renewable natural gas and green hydrogen, as well as high-value solid carbon that can be used to replace fossil coal or as an agricultural soil enhancement. (Read more

So, in addition to hydrogen that can be electrolyzed from water, it can be obtained in a methane reduction process that has important environmental benefits.

In the small world of pleasure boats, it would not have been practical to make these investments but we know our customers are anxious to support the environment. The Volvo Penta dual-fuel story gives me hope that exciting new developments may follow from commercial trucking and shipping, and we may benefit from those investments.

Stay tuned!

Andy Adams – Editor

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Canada’s Marine Retailers Band Together to Form New Canadian Marine Retailers Association

CMRA

The provincial marine associations from across the country, collectively representing over 80,000 jobs and $9.2B in national annual economic impact, announced the formation of a new national association whose mandate will be to represent the interests of recreational boating including recreational boat retailing and brokering, boat and engine & trailer sales, accessories, slip rentals, service, storage, fuel sales and more. Headquartered in Penetanguishene, Ontario, the newly formed Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) will focus on national issues facing the sector.

“The formation of a national voice to address the many aspects of our sector that affect the jobs and lives of Canadians from coast to coast is something many of our provincial associations have been calling for, for years,” says Brett Ramsey, President of Boating Ontario. “This is a positive step to ensuring issues facing our sector are represented to decisionmakers in the federal government.” READ MORE




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The Marex 440 Cruiser is a beacon of innovation, representing the newest generation of cruisers embellished with modern design lines and groundbreaking innovations. Spanning a length of 13.70 metres and flaunting a maximum beam of 4.27 metres, this elegant vessel is destined to become the jewel of the Marex brand. Here, we explore five key aspects of the Marex 440 that redefine the cruising experience.

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Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Stainless steel combines long-lasting corrosion resistance with an attractive, classic appearance to enhance any deck. That’s why Hubbell Marine uses it in its premium Stainless Steel Flip Covers to protect electrical terminals from impacts, weather, even curious children and pets.

Both styles of Hubbell Marine Stainless Steel Flip Covers, and associated hinge pins, springs and mounting hardware, are built from heavy-duty polished 316 stainless steel. The easy-to-clean covers are enhanced by durable elastomer base gaskets and EVA back gaskets for weatherproof reliability. READ MORE