The 24 Hours of Le Mans targets carbon neutrality by 2030

Today, ACO president Pierre Fillon spoke about the role of hydrogen in the future of motorsport at Demain Le Sport, a conference on the future of sport, organised by prominent French media. Hydrogen plays a key part in the ACO’s overall CSR strategy. In June this year, ACO general manager Stéphane Darracq presented the 24 Hours of Le Mans’ carbon footprint for the first time. In 2019, the race generated over 36,000 tonnes of CO2. We identified areas of improvement and have set about achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, with the aim of reducing emissions by 30%. The project is known as Race to 2030.

As of this year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans field runs on 100% renewable fuel, Excellium Racing 100, significantly reducing the impact of the race. The share of tyres and fuel has dropped from 2.5% to 1.4% of total emissions. At the same time, manufacturers are working on reducing tyre carbon emissions. Michelin has developed a tyre composed of 53% biosourced materials, currently being tested on the H24 prototype.

We have embarked on an ambitious carbon neutrality programme, including projects capable of capturing 25,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum by 2030.

The ACO’s hydrogen strategy is part of our commitment to the energy transition crucial to safeguard the planet. In the past few years, the club has been involved in the promotion of hydrogen as a safe, efficient, versatile fuel and a solution for zero emission mobility. The ACO H2 division is exploring two avenues: racing and mobility, from prototypes to HGVs. The planet needs defending from all angles.