James' story
My name is James Reilly, I’m a 22 year old Civil Engineer with an interest in sustainable energy and carbon reduction.
I graduated from the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme in 2021. Growing up, I was always intrigued by the world around me.
What is an electron? Why do the planets go around the Sun? Why is the world’s climate changing? Small questions have become big questions as I’ve grown, developed and explored.
While most questions ebb and flow, two have always stayed with me:
How can the world defeat climate change? How can humans help those less fortunate?
These two questions shape my life and actions to this day. I volunteer because I like helping those less fortunate than me. I became an engineer because I want to help fight against climate change and preserve the natural beauty of Aotearoa and the world.
To me, life is that simple. Find the questions you want answered, and get yourself into a position to answer them.
Get to know James
Being a civil engineer focused on sustainability and carbon reduction, having a deep knowledge and understanding of the Māori values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and mauri (lifeforce) is extremely helpful. I believe that humans have become disconnected from nature, and to live in the world sustainably in the future, we must rekindle our connection and think of ourselves as a part of nature, not separated from it. These are values I have learnt through school, and part of the reason being a New Zealander has helped me in the professional space.
Why Hydrogen
Imagine a future where all forms of transportation and technology function seamlessly and sustainably, emitting zero carbon into the air. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, with hydrogen technology, that future is possible.
XCIENT Hydrogen FCEV
Hyundai is one of the first to see the potential of hydrogen as alternative energy that can replace fossil fuels for a more sustainable future. We're excited to have brought the world's first mass-produced hydrogen FCEV heavy-duty truck to NZ.