University of Glasgow Hydrogen Fuel Racing Society (UG HFR)
University of Glasgow
Aerospace Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering,
Electrical and Electronic, Engineering, Mechatronics, Computing Science, Business and Management
Glasgow Hydrogen Fuel Racing (UG HFR) Society Making an Impact
University of Glasgow Hydrogen Fuel Racing (HFR) is a pioneering, student-led engineering society focused on the design, manufacture, and testing of hydrogen-powered vehicles across multiple transport sectors. Founded to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy, we unite students from engineering, computing, and business disciplines to innovate with real-world applications of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Our mission is to promote hydrogen as a clean alternative to conventional propulsion systems while providing members with valuable hands-on experience in design, prototyping, and systems integration. The society operates with the shared goal of representing the University of Glasgow on both a national and international stage in hydrogen-powered vehicle competitions.
Recent Projects
Hydrogen-Powered Boat:
Our marine team is currently preparing to compete at the 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, where we will represent both the University of Glasgow and Scotland in a global showcase of clean marine technologies. The team is integrating a hydrogen internal combustion engine propulsion system with an efficient hull design to compete.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle:
Our land division is developing a lightweight, fuel-efficient hydrogen fuel cell car for entry into the Shell Eco-Marathon. The project focuses on maximizing range and minimizing emissions through advanced aerodynamics, materials engineering, and system optimisation.
Hydrogen UAV Concept:
Our air division explores hydrogen integration into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aiming to extend flight endurance and demonstrate hydrogen’s potential for sustainable aviation. This project involves collaboration between aerospace, electronics, and control systems students.
A Bit About Us
We are the first hydrogen-focused engineering society at the University of Glasgow, and in 2025 we proudly became the first team from the university to compete in Monaco.
We operate across three engineering divisions — Land, Sea, and Air — designing hydrogen-powered vehicles, boats, and aircraft concepts. Our projects include fuel-cell cars for competitions like the Shell Eco-Marathon and hydrogen-combustion boats for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
We are committed to advancing sustainability and the net-zero transition, using hydrogen technologies to showcase clean energy solutions for future transport. Our team builds real engineering experience through hands-on design, fabrication, and testing.
We also deliver STEM outreach, recently hosting events where young learners explored 3D printing, design, and clean-energy engineering — helping inspire the next generation of hydrogen innovators.
Events
We regularly host and participate in events to develop our technical knowledge and expand awareness of hydrogen technologies. These include:
• Technical Workshops: Training sessions on CAD, fluid systems, fuel cell operation, and telemetry analysis.
• Outreach Activities: STEM demonstrations for schools and public audiences to promote hydrogen energy education (in planning).
• Industry Engagement: Collaborations and presentations with professional partners such as enterprise mobility. Also presented at the recent Hydrogen Scotland conference.
• Society Socials: Team building and networking events such as pub quizzes to strengthen collaboration across our divisions such.
• Competitions and Travel: Our team travelled to Monaco in 2025 to compete in the Energy Boat Challenge, with further competitions planned in 2026.
Join Us
We’re always looking for enthusiastic new members who are passionate about sustainable technology and innovation. Whether your interest lies in engineering, data systems, business management, or communications, there’s a role for you within our team.
Students can join by reaching out through our social media channels or by contacting the committee directly. We recruit new members at the start of each semester but welcome interest year-round.
Contact: [Hydrogen-racing@src.gla.ac.uk]
Instagram: [hydrogenfuelracing]
LinkedIn: [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/hydrogenfuelracing]