Plasma Recycling, Hydrogen Ferry, Scotland’s Transition & BMW’s 2028 Hydrogen Car

In today’s episode of The Hydrogen Podcast, we explore four transformative hydrogen stories shaping technology, transport, and energy markets worldwide:

♻️ Korea’s Plasma Torch Breakthrough

• Hydrogen-powered plasma torch hits 2,000°C
• Converts unsorted plastic into ethylene & benzene
• 70–90% yields with 99% purity, almost no emissions
• Potential game-changer for chemical recycling by 2026

⛴ San Francisco’s Hydrogen Ferry “Sea Change”

• 75-passenger fuel cell catamaran debuts in the Bay
• Zero-emission propulsion, only water vapor exhaust
• Public-private partnership (Chevron, SWITCH Maritime, United Airlines)
• Sets precedent for scaling hydrogen ferries in U.S. waters

🏭 Scotland’s Grangemouth Transition

• Refinery closure pivots to hydrogen hub
• £1.5M feasibility study: Project Willow
• Ineos blue hydrogen + RWE’s 200–600 MW green plant
• Anchors jobs, skills, and Scotland’s net-zero energy strategy

🚙 BMW Confirms Hydrogen EVs for 2028

• Series production of hydrogen-powered X5
• Third-gen Toyota-BMW fuel cell stack (25% smaller, more power dense)
• Refueling in minutes, less reliant on critical minerals
• Key step toward mainstream hydrogen EV adoption

⚖️ Key Takeaway
Hydrogen is no longer hype—it’s being deployed across recycling, shipping, industrial regions, and automotive markets. Whether it’s cleaning up waste, replacing diesel ferries, transforming oil hubs, or redefining passenger vehicles, hydrogen is proving its scalability and impact.

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