Marines test prototype to convert aluminum to hydrogen fuel, serving as energy source

ARLINGTON, Va. - The U.S. Marines is testing new technology that can readily produce hydrogen fuel to use as an energy source rather than relying on petroleum or batteries.

Recently, Marines saw a demonstration of the hydrogen tactical refueling point (H-TaRP) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The H-TaRP is a fuel-generation prototype device able to convert aluminum into hydrogen fuel. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global TechSolutions is sponsoring the project along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory.ONR said while batteries are effective, they could weigh a lot, making it challenging when Marines are operating in extremely harsh environments — including remote islands, hot deserts, rugged mountains and frozen, barren landscapes.RELATED: Air Force ordered to pay more than $230M in Texas church shootingThe lighter H-TaRP is made up of an aluminum dispenser, reactor vessel, water cooling system and a control system manifold to fill an H2 tank."H-TaRP’s purpose is to eliminate the need for diesel fuel transport and battery charging by being able to use locally available resources to produce hydrogen fuel for all sorts of vehicles," Erik Limpacher, leader of the Energy Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, said in a news release.

MIT researchers took advantage of the reaction of aluminum mixed with water to generate hydrogen gas. They said any form of water works in the chemical reaction: salty ocean water, river water, even urine.Researchers said this allows the H-TaRP to be used in many different environments. RELATED: Army begins discharging soldiers who refuse COVID-19 vaccineThey also pointed out that since the H-TaRP produces steam— that steam can be.