The consortium modified snowmobiles to run on a fuel cell rather than gas as one element of a research project aiming at zero-carbon Alpine tourism.

Winter tourism, arguably more than any other form, is particularly prone to the effects of climate change, as sub-zero temperatures and plenty of snow are prerequisites.

In Austria, one of Europe’s most popular winter sport destinations, a consortium led by Canadian-owned BRP-Rotax has presented a green hydrogen solution for snowmobiles.

‘HySnow’ is a four-year project which will see the Austrian engine maker and its consortium partners explore the possibilities of decarbonizing winter tourism. The other companies involved are welding, PV and battery charging company Fronius International; hydrogen storage business HyCentA Research; the Institute of Electrical Measurement and Measurement Signal Processing at TU Graz; energy efficiency business ECuSoL; and winter sports operator Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen, all from Austria; plus German car parts company ElringKlinger.

The partners modified BRP Lynx 69 Ranger snowmobiles to guzzle hydrogen rather than gas thanks to a combination of fuel cells and electric motors. The green hydrogen to power the vehicles comes from Fronius’ Solhub turnkey hydrogen solution, which features a 34.5 kW solar array, two inverters, an electrolyzer, storage tanks and a fueling system.

The Solhub can power other fuel cell vehicles or generate electricity during the summer, when the snowmobiles are idle, plus its waste heat can be harnessed for space and water heating. Fronius says its Solhub uses a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer and can generate up to 52kg of purity-grade-5.0 hydrogen daily. The system can be scaled, Fronius added.

Popular content

The Austrian inverter maker launched the Solhub and modified snowmobiles at the Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm ski resort during an FIS World Cup skiing event last month.

“At Fronius, we are certain that green hydrogen represents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for mobility,” said Martin Hackl, head of solar energy at the company. “With our multiple award-winning Fronius Solhub1, we have already developed a complete turnkey solution for decentralized hydrogen production, storage and supply which is available immediately.”

Municipalities, companies and other organizations with a vehicle fleet can produce green hydrogen using the Solhub, said Fronius, especially if they have sufficient roofspace to host solar panels.

The HySnow project is funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency and the nation’s Climate and Energy Fund.

Sustainability in solar and storage In May 2019, pv magazine launched the UP sustainability initiative. Our goal is to dive deep into the topic of what it means to be truly sustainable, looking at what is already being done and discussing areas for improvement. In addition to quarterly themes on issues such as lead use in solar and green finance, we have looked at biodiversity, sustainable flying and raw material sourcing in batteries. Read more, stay tuned and get involved! Check out our quarterly themes and UP coverage to date.