The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is advancing a program called "Hydrogen at the Tactical Edge of Contested Logistics" (HyTech), aimed at generating hydrogen on the battlefield to reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Partnering with the United States Marine Corps and the Naval Information Warfare Center, the initiative focuses on creating hydrogen from water to power various military platforms, such as unmanned aerial systems and vehicles. The goal is to enhance energy resilience for remote forces and ensure critical operations can persist without logistical delays.
NovaSpark Energy Corporation, a key player in the project, developed a mobile hydrogen generator using a combination of atmospheric water generation and electrolysis. The system is powered by renewables like solar and wind, providing a safe and efficient solution for producing hydrogen on-site. DIU and NovaSpark plan to prototype and field-test the technology by 2025, with the hope of transitioning it into operational use for military applications. This innovation offers significant tactical advantages, including longer operational ranges and lower electronic signatures, which are crucial in contested environments.
Read more here: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-news/2024/09/the-defense-department-explores-how-to-make-hydrogen-fuel-on-the-go/