Cummins opens young eyes to a cleaner future

The eyes of the world are on the Scottish city of Glasgow as leaders gather to address the existential threats posed by climate change.

The COP26 summit brings parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

As one of the world’s foremost players in power solutions, Cummins is actively embracing the challenge of creating a zero emissions world. Its PLANET 2050 strategy lays down ambitious but quantifiable targets on carbon neutrality, on waste (zero) and on reducing greenhouse gas and air emissions in line with the recommendations of experts.

Cummins is already well advanced on its pathway to zero carbon, having introduced new, clean power technologies such as fuel cells and electrolysers as well as investing heavily in electrification and alternative fuels. The company formed more than a century ago has also recently announced pioneering work in the development of a hydrogen internal combustion engine.

Alongside the investment in technology comes equally important support for education, one of Cummins’ three global priorities that it believes are critical to healthy communities. Cummins knows how important it is to engage with the engineers of the future, and there is no better place to start than schools and colleges.

Over the past year, more than 230 students across Europe have been exposed to a vision of power solutions designed to decarbonise transport and industry. An interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) initiative called The Fundamentals of Power Solutions, devised and delivered by Cummins technical trainers across Europe, has been opening young eyes to the power behind the transport and technology they could be enjoying in the not-so-distant future.

The presentation covers subjects such as the basics of energy, how engines work, understanding emissions and a glimpse at the future of sectors utilising battery and hydrogen power, including transport, industrial and marine.

The age of the students ranges from 12 to 26 but the majority are teenagers, according to Attilio Pessina of Cummins Italy, one of the architects of the learning programme.

He said: “We have set out to capture the imaginations of future engineers – to make them think about the different kind of power that drives the world in which they live and learn. We tried not to be too technical but at the same time introduce concepts that are very relatable. All our presenters have been impressed with the response from the students. We are getting some great questions and there’s lots of young, engaged minds.”

Students walk through the role of prototypes in testing new powertrain technologies, and there is a section dealing with the chemistry of fuel cells and the world of possibilities they create for a zero-carbon future.

The presentation has so far been delivered in three languages – English, Italian and Turkish – and it lasts around two hours.

“We hope it will encourage some of these students to pursue a career in engineering and to create sustainable technologies for the future,” said Pessina.

If you are involved with an educational institution that would like to know more about the Cummins Fundamentals of Power Solutions presentation, please contact [email protected].