6 Analytical Instrumentation
Controversy over decision to use hydrogen shuttles at Paris Olympics 2024 TALKING POINT
The decision to use hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) at the Paris 2024 Olympics has re-ignited debates regarding the practicality and environmental impact of hydrogen. Toyota plans to supply 500 Mirai vehicles to shuttle athletes and offi cials, alongside other electric and hybrid vehicles. But a group of over 120 scientists, academics, and engineers voiced their opposition prior to the Games in an open letter, arguing that hydrogen vehicles are not a viable climate solution. Their main concerns revolve around the energy effi ciency and environmental impact of hydrogen production. Currently, about 96% of global hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, such as methane gas, which undermines the zero-emission claims of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Even though green hydrogen— produced via electrolysis using renewable energy—is cleaner, it is still signifi cantly less effi cient than battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Green hydrogen production requires about three times more electricity than what is needed to charge BEVs, which, in the absence of fully renewable electricity, makes it a less sustainable option.
Critics also highlight the lack of infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling, which poses practical challenges for widespread adoption. The limited number of refuelling stations can hamper the effi ciency and convenience of using hydrogen vehicles on a large
scale. Moreover, hydrogen’s production and storage complexities further complicate its scalability as a mainstream fuel.
Toyota, however, maintains that hydrogen vehicles like the Mirai have their place in a diversifi ed approach to achieving net-zero emissions. They argue that FCEVs offer benefi ts such as longer range, better fl exibility, higher weight-to-power ratios and quicker refuelling times compared to BEVs, which could be advantageous for specifi c applications, including long-haul transportation and fl eet operations. Toyota’s fl eet for the Olympics also includes 1,150 BEVs, showcasing their commitment to multiple green technologies.
In response to the open letter, the French trade association France Hydrogène defended the use of hydrogen vehicles, emphasising that advancements in green hydrogen production are making it more sustainable. They argue that the inclusion of hydrogen vehicles at the Olympics is an opportunity to demonstrate their potential and accelerate the development of the necessary infrastructure and technology.
The controversy highlights the broader debate within the automotive and environmental communities about the best paths to achieve sustainable transportation. While BEVs are currently leading the charge due to their effi ciency and
growing infrastructure, hydrogen technology is seen by some as a complementary solution that can address certain limitations of BEVs. Ultimately, the Paris 2024 Olympics will serve as a high-profi le test case for hydrogen technology, potentially infl uencing future policies and investments in clean transportation. The event will also contribute to the ongoing discussion about the most effective strategies to combat climate change through innovative transportation solutions.
Chemical resistant diaphragm pumps
The C Series chemical resistant diaphragm pumps from Wiggens are an excellent solution for continuous, oil-free pumping of corrosive gases and vapours and meet demanding applications. The multi-stage construction provides an advantageous combination of high pumping speed and ultimate low vacuum. All major parts in contact with pumped media are made of PTFE which are ideal for extremely aggressive/corrosive gases and vapours. The sealing system provides reduced leakage rates for improved ultimate vacuum (1mbar).
Wiggens is continuously expanding the line of diaphragm pumps and applying new technologies to the C Series. The latest models feature more powerful motor-driven multi-stage pump heads, making them an excellent choice for applications requiring high vacuum levels with corrosive gases and vapours. These pumps fi nd applications in pilot reactors, industrial rotary evaporators, the semiconductor industry, drying ovens, and various laboratory applications. The maximum pumping speed can reach up to 145L/min.
Equipped with a frequency conversion motor, these powerful pumps can achieve high vacuum levels quickly and with good stability, making them suitable for larger laboratory applications.
Furthermore, the frequency conversion vacuum pump helps reduce noise in the laboratory and extends the service life. If you have any questions about vacuum requirements for your experiments, please contact Wiggens for assistance.
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57812pr@reply-direct.com Advancing near-infrared spectroscopy capabilities
Metrohm expands its OMNIS platform by introducing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) capabilities. OMNIS NIRS enhances the platform’s versatility, enabling comprehensive chemical analysis in a single system. The introduction offers three specialised confi gurations: OMNIS NIRS Liquid for liquid samples, OMNIS NIRS Solid for solid and viscous materials, and OMNIS NIRS Liquid/Solid for dual sample analysis.
The OMNIS NIR Analyser accelerates the analysis process, providing rapid results for both liquid and solid samples. It incorporates advanced sensor technology for precise temperature control of liquid samples and automated rotation for solid samples, ensuring high reproducibility and effi cient batch analysis.
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OMNIS platform is designed for accessibility, eliminating the need for extensive chemometrics knowledge. The OMNIS Model Developer (OMD) simplifi es prediction model creation, while sample holder recognition ensures adherence to standard operating procedures, minimising user errors.
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The OMNIS platform seamlessly integrates near-infrared spectroscopy and titration, offering a fully automated solution with the OMNIS Sample Robot. This integration allows for customisable setups tailored to user requirements, enhancing laboratory productivity.
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PIN AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2024 email: For More Info, email:
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