The ACO has launched a new initiative called ‘Mission H24’ to support its plans for a hydrogen racing class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Mission H24 is a partnership between the ACO and GreenGT, a Swiss company that produces electric-hydrogen propulsion systems and previously completed the first hydrogen-powered lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2016.

The stated purpose of the project is to promote and develop hydrogen-powered vehicles ahead of their anticipated Le Mans debut in 2024.

It also aims to “speed up research and development” of hydrogen-fueled cars with the objective of taking the technology “from track to the road to achieve zero-carbon mobility.”

Yannick Dalmas drove an experimental prototype named LMPH2G – which is a modified ADESS 03 LMP3 car – in a roll-out at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday to mark the launch of the initiative.

The car, which is powered by four electric motors and contains a four-stack hydrogen fuel cell, started at speed but appeared to encounter technical trouble at Stavelot corner before returning to the pits to complete a fuel stop demonstration.

LMPH2G will then lead the European Le Mans Series field on its formation lap ahead of tomorrow’s 4 Hours of Spa.

The ACO first announced its plans to have hydrogen cars competing at the centerpiece round of the FIA World Endurance Championship earlier this year.

“Hydrogen is the future because we are aiming for zero-emission mobility,” said ACO president Pierre Fillon, who was at Spa.

“It is our role to develop high-performance, environmentally friendly technologies.”