NPS Driven launches hydrogen combustion engine

Written by Alles over Waterstof

15 April 2025

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On Thursday 3 April 2025, NPS Driven unveiled its MH2X 250G hydrogen combustion engine. They use an existing six-cylinder diesel engine for this purpose. This engine has been converted in such a way that it can function on 100% green hydrogen. The prototype has been extensively tested by TNO and is now ready for use in the 250 kW H2 Power Generation. Several will be built in the coming period, so that extensive experience can be gained in field tests.

21st-century energy ecosystem

The idea for a hydrogen combustion engine was conceived at NPS Driven in 2020. This idea gained momentum in 2021 when a grant was awarded from the Green Transport Delta fund. Together with TNO, the first promising laboratory tests were conducted with a single cylinder. This ultimately resulted in the current six-cylinder engine.

The NPS Driven hydrogen combustion engine is based on a familiar, powerful combustion engine by DAF. The PACCAR MX13 is known for its reliability, robust design and durability, with a B10 classification of more than a million miles. The diesel components have been removed from this model. Among other things, Coil On Plug ignition for hydrogen has been added and the combustion chamber has been modified. The hydrogen engine has already undergone extensive laboratory tests at TNO and is now ready for field testing.

Test setup at HOB Aggregaten

The H2 Power Generator is set up on the premises of HOB Aggregaten. Next to the set-up is a container with Van Kessel hydrogen at 300 bar. The hydrogen is reduced in two steps via a reduction set; first to 40 bar and then to 6 to 10 bar before it enters the engine. The generator operates at 1500 rpm and has a capacity of 250 kW.

During a live demonstration, it was shown how quietly the engine runs. The parties have developed their own operating system for this. Everything can be monitored remotely with a control system.

From land-based testing to water-based testing

The ultimate goal of NPS Driven is to develop the current engine further so that it can also be used for non-road vehicles and inland shipping. To get this development off the ground, they have joined the Maritime Master Plan. The aim of this plan is to build around 40 innovative and sustainable ships using the energy lines: carbon capture, hydrogen and methanol.

In the coming months, another 4 to 10 hydrogen combustion engines will be built, so that extensive practical testing can be carried out. A number of companies have already registered for this, and NPS Driven reports that there is still room for more pioneers.