Last Wednesday, June 12th, the Year 10 Gen-STEM students from Foxwell State Secondary College showcased their ingenuity and teamwork at the H2GP Racing Championships held at AB Paterson College. After a year of dedication to building hydrogen fuel cell remote control cars, these young engineers put their creations to the test in a competitive and challenging environment.

The project required students to not only construct the hydrogen-powered vehicles but also to design aerodynamic shells to enhance performance, understand the scientific knowledge behind using hydrogen as a clean energy source and the skills involved in driving cars in a fast-paced race for an extended period of time.

On race day, the students encountered numerous technical difficulties. Cars lost wheels mid-race, others experienced burnt wires that disrupted communication between the controllers and cars, and others dealt with melting nuts and bolts. Remarkably, one of our teams even faced the daunting task of rebuilding their car from scratch during the competition.

Despite these setbacks, the students displayed extraordinary perseverance and problem-solving abilities. They tackled each challenge with determination, maintaining their composure and a positive attitude throughout the event. Their ability to overcome obstacles and continue competing with a smile on their faces was a testament to their resilience and teamwork developed through our Gen-STEM program over the past 3 years.

The H2GP Racing Championships provided a valuable real-world experience for these budding engineers, highlighting the importance of collaboration and adaptability in overcoming technical challenges. Moreover, the event underscored the significance of using renewable energies, like hydrogen, for a cleaner future. By engaging in such innovative projects, students are not only honing their technical skills but also contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions, crucial for addressing global environmental challenges.

A special shout-out goes to ABB for their generous sponsorship, support, and guidance throughout this journey. Their involvement was instrumental in making this project a success and inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators.