HYDROGEN INDUSTRY
WHY THE ICE STILL HAS A ROLE IN A LOW-CARBON WORLD
Retrofitting Internal combustion engines (ICE) for alternative fuels such as hydrogen could help reduce emissions. Todd Anderson, vice president and chief technology officer, PHINIA, comments
T
he internal combustion engine (ICE) often gets overlooked in sustainability discussions,
yet it continues to play a central role in global transport. Transitioning to low- and zero-emission technologies varies widely across regions, influenced by economic pressures, regulatory uncertainty and infrastructure challenges. While attention focuses on new propulsion systems, upgrading existing technologies like ICEs offer a faster, more scalable, path to decarbonisation alongside new solutions. After more than a century of refinement, ICEs
remain reliable propulsion systems supported by established manufacturing, supply chains, skilled technicians and global distribution and servicing networks. Leveraging this ecosystem can accelerate sustainability progress.
DRIVING INNOVATION ACROSS ALL TECHNOLOGIES The EU’s Clean Industrial Deal aims to decarbonise transport while preserving industrial competitiveness. It recognises the importance of using existing technologies and infrastructure. To remain competitive, Europe needs reliable, affordable energy and policies that support innovation across all clean technologies – not just newly emerging ones. Efficient combustion systems designed for clean fuels, including hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE), must be part of policy frameworks. A fuel-agnostic approach – improving existing
engines for alternative fuels – bridges the gap between ambitions and reality. Recognising the potential of current technology allows sustainability improvements to occur more rapidly. To support technology neutrality, the EU
Innovation Fund must be accessible to all low- carbon solutions, including ICE enhancements. Prioritising nascent tech risks overlooking major emissions cuts possible from optimising existing systems. Supporting ICE-based innovation, including H2ICE and alternative fuel upgrades, strengthens decarbonisation efforts while bolstering industrial resilience.
HYDROGEN: A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF THE CLEAN ENERGY MIX Hydrogen holds a unique place in the clean energy mix, offering zero-carbon potential, across heavy- duty transport, off-road machinery, stationary applications and gas grid blending. As the global demand for hydrogen continues to grow, its role in shaping the automotive future is evolving, revealing its importance and promising potential. However, hydrogen’s role is increasingly shaped
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by geopolitics. Nations are competing to secure production capacity and supply chain control. This competition fuels investment but risks regional inequalities where infrastructure remains underdeveloped. In many regions outside the mature markets (China, NW Europe, coastal USA), grid limitations or economic barriers make widespread electrification infeasible now. Segments such as long-haul, heavy-load commercial transport, off-road operations, or remote/high-load environments face particular challenges. Without broad deployment across fleets and energy systems, hydrogen may become a niche solution rather than a backbone of market-wide decarbonisation.
Todd Anderson
MAKING CLEAN ICE SOLUTIONS WORK Cleaner ICE technology already exists and adapting engines for drop-in or blended fuels is technically straightforward. However, there are three critical barriers preventing cleaner ICE solutions from reaching their full potential: 1. Alternative fuel production – Scaling up is essential. Green hydrogen maximises decarbonisation; other hydrogen sources may bridge in short term. Currently, production is insufficient: although global electrolyser manufacturing capacity doubled to 25 GW/year in 2023, only ~2.5 GW was installed, showing underutilisation. Renewable hydrogen costs remain 1.5-6× more than fossil alternatives.
2. Infrastructure – Fuel networks, distribution, storage, and vehicle compatibility need scaling. For many regions, such infrastructure is lacking. Compared to full EV roll-out (which depends heavily on charging networks), clean ICEs need less disruptive infrastructure changes. In Europe, AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) is helping expand hydrogen infrastructure. Ethanol and biodiesel can often use existing supply chains.
3. Cost – Alternative fuels are currently more expensive than conventional ones. But greater production and broader infrastructure deployment can reduce this gap. Achieving global scaling requires cooperative action by both policymakers and industry.
REPOSITIONING ICE AS A NET-ZERO ENABLER To some, ICEs symbolise emissions, but when paired with clean fuels and advanced combustion technologies they can become net-zero enablers. This approach complements electrification – using all tools is essential to global decarbonisation. H2ICEs represent one of the most advanced adaptations. Running on hydrogen in modified combustion engines offers sustainability, reliability, and cost benefits – ideal for hard-to- electrify segments such as heavy-duty vehicles and off-road machinery. With the right policy and investment, H2ICEs can scale rapidly to reduce emissions across large fleet segments. Retrofitting ICEs for alternative
fuels and incentivising cleaner fuel injection and exhaust after-treatment
enables significant carbon reductions in the short term. This strategy supports communities and businesses that cannot immediately shift to EVs or hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
SCALING THE OPPORTUNITY: ENABLING FUEL-AGNOSTIC STRATEGIES Alternative fuels including hydrogen, e-fuels, HVO, ethanol, methanol, natural gas and biodiesel are gaining regulatory attention, yet policy frameworks remain unclear. Effective fuel-agnostic strategies require outcome-based regulations that reward real-world emissions cuts, irrespective of vehicle, technology or fuel type. Key actions include:
• Incentives neutral to fuel type, rewarding lower emissions.
• Infrastructure funding for clean fuel distribution, blending, storage. • Research & development support for ICEs optimised for alternative fuels. Regional variations in infrastructure and
energy policy demands tailored solutions. From bioethanol-driven fleets in Brazil to hydrogen- CNG hybrids in India, localised approaches offer a scalable, inclusive, path forward.
UNLOCKING THE FAST TRACK TO NET-ZERO Global hydrogen strategies and policy frameworks offer a solid foundation for a cleaner energy future. Upgrading existing engines and infrastructure to operate on clean fuels may not be a silver bullet but it presents a practical, near-term emissions reduction route. The most effective approach is embracing new technologies and making smarter use of existing resources.
PHINIA
www.phinia.com/
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 2025 17
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