Hydrogen Train In The World
Doodlebrary
Hydrogen trains have been in development and deployment in various parts of the world as part of efforts to decarbonize transportation. Hydrogen fuel cell trains are seen as a cleaner alternative to diesel trains, as they produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. Here are a few notable examples:
- Germany (Coradia iLint): Germany has been a pioneer in hydrogen train technology. Alstom, a French rail company, developed the Coradia iLint, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train. It entered commercial service in Lower Saxony, Germany, in 2018. The Coradia iLint has since undergone further trials and deployments.
- United Kingdom (HydroFLEX): In the UK, the HydroFLEX project, developed by the University of Birmingham and Porterbrook, involves converting existing Class 319 trains into hydrogen-powered trains. The HydroFLEX prototype was unveiled in 2019, and testing has been ongoing.
- Netherlands (H2train): The Netherlands has also been exploring hydrogen trains. In 2020, the Dutch railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) signed a contract with Alstom to purchase hydrogen trains for use on non-electrified lines.
- Japan (Hydrail): Japan, a leader in rail technology, has been investing in hydrogen fuel cell trains. JR East (East Japan Railway Company) has been testing a hydrogen-powered train, known as the “Hydrail,” on the Joban Line.
- France (H2Rail): France has been involved in hydrogen train projects as well. Alstom, the company behind the Coradia iLint, has been actively promoting hydrogen trains as an environmentally friendly solution.
These projects demonstrate the global interest in hydrogen as a clean energy source for rail transportation.
