Freyberg High School students have raced their way into the world top six at the 2026 Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Finals, with support from the Clarus Community Fund.
The Palmerston North team travelled to Bulle, Switzerland, for the World Finals in June, competing against 90 student teams from more than 23 countries.
H2GP is an international STEM programme where students design, build and race hydrogen-powered remote-control cars. Along the way, they develop practical engineering, problem-solving and teamwork skills while learning about hydrogen technology.
The Freyberg team finished an impressive sixth in the world in its class and also won the Team Spirit Award, recognising its teamwork, sportsmanship and collaboration.
The Freyberg School team who won the Team Spirit award
Supporting the team was a natural fit for Clarus, which has been exploring the potential role of hydrogen in New Zealand's future energy system.
Earlier this year, Firstgas, part of Clarus completed New Zealand's first hydrogen blending pilot, successfully supplying a blend of natural gas and up to 12% hydrogen through an existing gas network to homes in Te Horo.
Peter Sandston, Acting GM Future Fuels said it was great to support young people getting hands-on experience with hydrogen technology.
"It's fantastic to see what these students have achieved. H2GP gives young people the chance to put science and engineering into practice, while learning about hydrogen and the role new technologies could play in our future energy system.
"Finishing sixth in the world is a fantastic result, and winning the Team Spirit Award makes the achievement even more special. We're really pleased the Clarus Community Fund could help them get there."
Freyberg is already looking ahead to next year's competition, with plans to send two teams, including an all-girls team.
The Clarus Community Fund supports organisations, initiatives and events that make a positive difference in the communities where our people live and work.
