17-Year-Old Wins Hydrogen Grand Prix, Places 10th Globally in Renewable Energy Race

Ronan Johnson, a 17-year-old from Western Australia, won the regional Hydrogen Grand Prix and placed 10th in the global finals. The competition, focused on hydrogen-powered race cars, deepened his understanding of renewable energy. Sponsored by Chevron, the event encourages students to pursue STEM careers with hands-on experience in sustainable technologies.

CONTENTS:

• Alabama car vandalized, political tensions rise.
• European industries oppose Trump’s tariffs, warn.
• Teen wins Hydrogen Grand Prix, learns.

17-Year-Old Wins Hydrogen Grand Prix, Places 10th Globally in Renewable Energy Race

Alabama car vandalized, political tensions rise

17-Year-Old Wins Hydrogen Grand Prix Tensions in Alabama escalate as a vehicle displaying a Harris/Waltz sticker is allegedly vandalized by Trump supporters. The incident, which occurred during the election season, has sparked concern over political polarization and the potential for violence, particularly if Trump loses the upcoming election.

A post on Reddit showcased the damage to the car, which included a shattered rear windshield and a Harris/Waltz sticker defaced with black spray paint. The words “Trump” were also sprayed on the vehicle. The act is being seen by many as politically motivated retribution.

Netizens expressed anger and fear, with some commenting that such actions could drive voters to support Trump, while others criticized the lack of moral integrity in some of his supporters. Some even shared personal experiences, warning against publicly displaying political affiliations due to the risk of becoming targets of such vandalism, particularly in areas like Alabama.

European industries oppose Trump’s tariffs, warn.

17-Year-Old Wins Hydrogen Grand Prix  European car and steel industries are urging against the implementation of tariffs by Donald Trump, warning of significant economic consequences if he follows through on his electoral campaign promise to impose a 10% tariff on European goods. The automotive sector, particularly in Germany, is expected to be severely impacted, with the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) stressing the need for dialogue to prevent such tariffs. VDA spokesperson Simon Schuetz emphasized that such measures could lead to a trade conflict, which both sides should avoid, especially given the geopolitical challenges both the US and Europe face.

A recent study forecasts that the European automotive industry could lose 186,000 jobs over the next decade, particularly as the sector transitions to electric vehicles (EVs). The steel industry is also at risk, as ongoing issues stemming from previous Trump-era tariffs continue to affect European exports. The European Steel Association (EUROFER) highlights stalled negotiations regarding these tariffs, with hopes to resume discussions post-election. Axel Egger, EUROFER’s Director General, warned that failure to resolve these disputes could result in the return of harsh 25% tariffs on European steel. Additionally, the association stresses the importance of addressing climate goals in these talks, particularly regarding the environmental impact of steel and aluminum production in the US.

Teen wins Hydrogen Grand Prix, learns.

17-Year-Old Wins Hydrogen Grand Prix  Ronan Johnson, a 17-year-old high school student from Western Australia, recently participated in the Hydrogen Grand Prix, a regional competition focused on hydrogen-powered, radio-controlled race cars. Johnson, passionate about both racing and renewable energy, won the regional competition and placed 10th in the global finals held in Anaheim, California, where 60 teams from around the world competed. The event is part of the world’s largest hydrogen STEM competition, where students design, build, and modify hydrogen-powered cars, testing their skills in both speed and endurance.

For Johnson, the competition was not just about racing—it also deepened his understanding of hydrogen fuel cells and their real-world applications, pushing him further toward his goal of a career in renewable energy. He shared that the experience taught him a lot about hydrogen systems and how they function in practical scenarios.

The competition also featured Kruz Chan from Singapore, who was part of the team that won the Singapore finals. Chan, who is interested in a career in engineering, expressed excitement about gaining hands-on experience with hydrogen fuel cells and radio-controlled car design, areas he hadn’t explored before.

Chevron, a sponsor of the Hydrogen Grand Prix, is focused on advancing lower carbon solutions and supported teams in Singapore and Australia to encourage students to pursue STEM careers. The program, by providing real-world engineering experience, aims to prepare the next generation of engineers to address complex challenges like sustainable energy solutions. For Johnson, the contest not only provided racing thrills but also practical knowledge that will help him in his pursuit of electrical engineering and renewable energy careers.