Two Chicago-Area High School Teams Compete in Hydrogen Grand Prix World Final in Las Vegas
Teams showcase their hydrogen-fueled remote-control vehicles at world-class competition
This week, two Chicago-area high school teams — Prosser Academy on the city’s northwest side and the ‘Door Knobs’ from the northwest suburbs — represented the Chicago region at the Horizon Educational’s Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final in Las Vegas. The Horizon H2GP World Final took place at the annual RE+ Energy Conference from September 11-14, 2023. The competition drew students from over 20 countries, each having designed and engineered their vehicles powered by hydrogen.
The ‘Door Knobs’ are sponsored by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) through a grant from Nicor Gas. The students from these two teams designed, engineered, and constructed their hydrogen-powered, remote-control vehicles for this global competition. Nicor Gas is a member of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), a coalition of parties across the hydrogen value chain who are pursuing Department of Energy funding to advance clean energy and decarbonization solutions though clean hydrogen in the Midwest.
MachH2 sponsored the Midwest Hydrogen Grand Prix regional race in the spring, with additional member companies also engaging with other local school groups, embracing the opportunity to work within the community to mentor the students as they built the fuel-cell RC cars, as well as fostering their interest in engineering and fueling their passion for energy and the environment.
“These students are the future clean energy designers, engineers, lab technicians and inventors”, said Kamil Jelinek, CEO of Horizon Educational. “Today you’ll see them designing, engineering, constructing and racing their very own hydrogen-powered 1:10 scale cars; tomorrow they’ll be building the electrolyzers, fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines that will power communities for decades to come”.
“The Door Knobs have shown an exceptional commitment to understanding hydrogen technology and the broader clean energy landscape,” said Meena Beyers, Nicor Gas Vice President of Community & Business Development. “We’re thrilled to support their journey to the Horizon H2GP World Final through our grant to the ISTC.”
“It is imperative for our students to engage in STEM activities that inspire them and position them to see themselves as part of the solutions being developed in climate science,” said Rebecca Goldberg, Director of ISTC Education. “Additionally, it is very encouraging to see our community, especially ISTC Board Members from Nicor and Constellation, supporting our future workforce through these unique programs and their participation as MachH2 members.”
The H2GP World Final serves as a pivotal platform for students to learn and gain practical experience in clean energy engineering, design, teamwork, and problem-solving. It aligns with MachH2’s goals, which includes preparing and empowering the next generation of the clean energy workforce.
Photos from the race are available here.
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About MachH2: MachH2 is a multi-state coalition of public and private entities representing every phase in the hydrogen value chain. The alliance includes a cross-section of carbon-free energy producers, clean energy developers, hydrogen technology providers, utilities, major manufacturers, national labs and leading hydrogen technology development and deployment institutions, world-class universities, and groups focused on environmental justice. Learn more at MachH2.com
About Horizon Educational: Founded in 2003, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies began the sale of miniature fuel cells to demonstrate the technology to schools and students around the world, while investing in R&D of more advanced products and industrial applications. In 2013, Horizon Educational Group was formed as an independent division dedicated to the deployment of a complete range of educational solutions. Horizon Educational develop, produce, and distribute hands-on teaching material and didactic equipment as well as online curricula and educational programs. With distributors in over 150 countries, the STEM kits and technical training equipment have an international reputation for quality, educational content, and award-winning design. Discover more at horizoneducational.com
