The first hydrogen engine in Greece - Where can you see it?

Yamaha brought to Greece a prototype hydrogen-burning engine, the first outboard in the world to power a speedboat.

We have heard and continue to hear a lot about hydrogen. However, its mass production is difficult, and currently, its development is limited and carried out by specific companies.

In the automotive sector, we encounter very few LPG-powered models, such as the BMW ix5, Toyota Mirai, and Honda CR-V.

In the marine sector, things are even more limited. Despite the difficulties that exist, at the end of 2023, Yamaha, in collaboration with a company active in engine development, created the world's first outboard motor, which they installed on a speedboat.

As its name suggests, the Yamaha H2 uses LPG instead of gasoline. This particular one is based on the existing XTO Offshore 450 engine. It is a V8 with a capacity of 5.6 litres and produces 450 horsepower.

However, in the hydrogen version, due to the fuel's low volumetric density, the horsepower is lower, reaching almost 400 horsepower.

Externally, the outboards are the same, while most of the engine characteristics are the same internally.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hydrogen engines, compared to what we know from other mechanical systems, have advantages and disadvantages, News Auto reported.

First, their combustion is clean, as only water is produced when oxygen is burned. Refuelling is quick, and operation is quieter than that of other engines.

On the other hand, storing LPG is difficult due to the large and heavy tanks. The range of vehicles using hydrogen is lower, while refuelling is difficult due to the lack of infrastructure.

This particular Yamaha H2 engine, which is in prototype form, has been brought to Greece for a few days by the Japanese brand's import company (Motodynamics).

According to the program, it will be located at the Yamaha booth, specifically at the Metropolitan EXPO exhibition centre, where the International Boat Show is hosted. There, everyone will be able to see it up close and get additional information.

READ MORE: Greece Takes Major Step in Tech and AI Future with New Data Centres.