On Thursday 23rd of April, the Donabate Library Ecomotion team took part in the inaugral Kinia Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) Ireland National Final, hosted at the National Basketball Arena. The event marked the first time a national H2GP race has been held in Ireland and showcased the creativity, technical ability and a teamwork of young people engaging with clean energy and STEM skills.
H2GP is part of an international educational STEM programme delivered by Kinia, where students design, build and race hydrogen-powered remote-control cars. The Donabate team, made up of libabry members ages 12-14 and supported through Fingal Libraries, were one of the five teams to reach the national final. Competing on an indoor endurance track, they demonstrated impressive innovation, collaboration and resilience during a challenging 3.5 hour race.
The racing brought real-world engineering to life, with regular pit-stops required for battery changes, hydrogen stick replacements and on-the spot repairs.
Team Roles Included:
- Drivers
- Mechanics
- Team Captains
- Spotters
All of the team were in constant communication at all times to keep the car moving efficiently around the track. While the team did not progress to the International final in Switzerland this August, they were proudly awarded a national prize for team spirit, recognizing their collaboration, positivity and determination.
The journey to the national final began in September 2025, when librarian Ciara Farel and young library users signed up to Kinia’s hydrogen technology programme following earlier STEM courses. Supported by Kinia facilitator Laura Mulvey, the team spent months about hydrogen technology, building and testing Sprint car kits, and honing both technical and problem-solving skills. Their progress saw them succeed at the regional sprint final in January 2026, securing their place at the national race.
The H2GP took place as part of LogisTYCs Logistics and Supply Chain Skills event, hosted by the Department of Transport. Minister of State Seán Canney officially opened the event, which attracted hundreds of students, particularly from Transition Year programmes. Alongside the race, attendees explored interactive exhibits, driving simulators and industry strands focused on logistics, transport and sustainability.