Hydrogen train

{{Short description|Train transporting or using hydrogen}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}} [[File:InnoTrans 2016 – Alstom iLint with Fuel Cell Batteries (29782914176).jpg|thumb|Debut of the Alstom Coradia iLint, a hydrogen-powered passenger train, at InnoTrans 2016]] [[File:DSC09375 iLint auf Brücke zwischen Main-Lahn-Bahn und Werksbahn Industriepark Höchst über Hoechster Farbenstraße.jpg|thumb|iLint of Regionalverkehre Start Deutschland on the way to its filling station at industrial park Höchst]] In transportation, the original (2003) generic term '''"hydrail"''' includes '''hydrogen trains''', '''zero-emission multiple units''', or '''ZEMUs'''—generic terms describing rail vehicles, large or small, which use on-board hydrogen fuel as a source of energy to power the traction motors, or the auxiliaries, or both. Hydrail vehicles use the chemical energy of hydrogen for propulsion, either by burning hydrogen in a hydrogen internal combustion engine, or by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell to run electric motors, as the '''hydrogen fuel cell train'''. Widespread use of hydrogen for fueling rail transportation is a basic element of the proposed hydrogen economy. The term has been used by research scholars and technicians around the world.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Graham-Rowe | first1 = D. | title = Do the locomotion | doi = 10.1038/4541036a | journal = Nature | volume = 454 | issue = 7208 | pages = 1036–7 | year = 2008 | pmid = 18756218| doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Minkel | first1 = J. R. | doi = 10.1109/MSPEC.2006.1665046 | title = A Smashing Bad Time for the United States | journal = IEEE Spectrum | volume = 43 | issue = 8 | pages = 12–13 | year = 2006 | bibcode = 2006IEEES..43h..12M | s2cid = 31330565 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Jones | first1 = W. D. | doi = 10.1109/MSPEC.2009.5210050 | title = Fuel cells could power a streetcar revival | journal = IEEE Spectrum | volume = 46 | issue = 9 | pages = 15–16 | year = 2009 | s2cid = 38714850 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Jones | first1 = W. D. | doi = 10.1109/MSPEC.2006.1665045 | title = Hydrogen on Track | journal = IEEE Spectrum | volume = 43 | issue = 8 | pages = 10–13 | year = 2006 | s2cid = 20449207 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Delucchi | first1 = M. A. | last2 = Jacobson | first2 = M. Z. | title = Providing all global energy with wind, water, and solar power, Part II: Reliability, system and transmission costs, and policies | doi = 10.1016/j.enpol.2010.11.045 | journal = Energy Policy | volume = 39 | issue = 3 | pages = 1170–1190 | year = 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Marin | first1 = G. D. | last2 = Naterer | first2 = G. F. | last3 = Gabriel | first3 = K. | title = Rail transportation by hydrogen vs. Electrification – Case study for Ontario, Canada, II: Energy supply and distribution | doi = 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2010.03.095 | journal = International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | volume = 35 | issue = 12 | pages = 6097–6107 | year = 2010 | bibcode = 2010IJHE...35.6097M }}</ref>

Hydrail vehicles are usually hybrid vehicles with renewable energy storage, such as batteries or super capacitors, for regenerative braking, improving efficiency and lowering the amount of hydrogen storage required. Potential hydrail applications include all types of rail transport: commuter rail; passenger rail; freight rail; light rail; rail rapid transit; mine railways; industrial railway systems; trams; and special rail rides at parks and museums.

The term hydrail is believed to date back to 22 August 2003, from an invited presentation at the US Department of Transportation's Volpe Transportations Systems Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Narendra |date=29 March 2022 |title=Hydrogen-Powered Trains |url=https://www.metrorailnews.in/hydrogen-powered-trains/ |access-date=25 August 2022 |website=Metro Rail News |language=en-US |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401045417/https://www.metrorailnews.in/hydrogen-powered-trains/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There, Stan Thompson, a former futurist and strategic planner at US telecoms company AT&T gave a presentation entitled the Mooresville Hydrail Initiative.<ref name = "rai tech 16">Grey, Eva. [https://www.railway-technology.com/features/featuregerman-state-thrusts-hydrogen-powered-hydrail-into-the-spotlight-4928956/ "German state thrusts hydrogen-powered hydrail into the spotlight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207212737/https://www.railway-technology.com/features/featuregerman-state-thrusts-hydrogen-powered-hydrail-into-the-spotlight-4928956/ |date=7 February 2021 }} ''railway-technology.com'', 21 June 2016.</ref> However, according to authors Stan Thompson and Jim Bowman, the term first appeared in print on 17 February 2004 in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy as a search engine target word to enable scholars and technicians around the world working in the hydrogen rail area to more easily publish and locate all work produced within the discipline.<ref>Stan Thompson and Jim Bowman (2004) "The Mooresville Hydrail Initiative", ''International Journal of Hydrogen Energy'' '''29'''(4): 438, in "News and Views" (a non-peer-reviewed section)</ref>

Since 2005, annual International Hydrail Conferences have been held. Organised by Appalachian State University and the Mooresville South Iredell Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with universities and other entities, the Conferences have the aim of bringing together scientists, engineers, business leaders, industrial experts, and operators working or using the technology around the world in order to expedite deployment of the technology for environmental, climate, energy security and economic development reasons. Presenters at these conferences have included national and state/provincial agencies from the US, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, the EU, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United Nations (UNIDO-ICHET).{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}} In its early years, these conferences were largely dominated by academic fields; however, by 2013, an increasing number of businesses and industrial figures have reportedly been in attendance.<ref name = "rai eng 18">[https://www.railengineer.uk/2018/01/05/hydrail-comes-of-age/ "Hydrail comes of age."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174254/https://www.railengineer.uk/2018/01/05/hydrail-comes-of-age/ |date=10 January 2018 }} ''railengineer.uk'', 5 January 2018.</ref>

During the 2010s, both fuel cells and hydrogen generation equipment have been taken up by several transport operators across various countries, such as China, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Many of the same technologies that can be applied to hydrail vehicles can be applied to other forms of transport as well, such as road vehicles.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/><ref name = "rai tech 16"/>

==Technology== {{see also|hydrogen|fuel cell|Direct methanol fuel cell|Reformed methanol fuel cell}} thumb|India's first Hydrogen train, showing the Hydrogen storage module, battery stacks and fuel cell. [[File:Daejeon-metro-tram-train--built-by-hyundai-rotem--on-innotrans-fair--2024-09-24--picture-by-georgr--cc-by-sa.jpg|thumb|Hyundai Rotem Hydrogen Fuel cell Tram, pictured in 2024]]

Hydrogen is a common and easy to find element, given that each molecule of water has two atoms of hydrogen for every oxygen atom present.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> Hydrogen can be separated from water via several means, including steam reforming (normally involving the use of fossil fuels) and electrolysis (which requires large amounts of electricity and is less commonly used). Once isolated, hydrogen can serve as a form of fuel.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> It has been proposed that hydrogen for fueling hydrail vehicles can be produced in individual maintenance depots, requiring only a steady supply of electricity and water; it can then be pumped into pressurised tanks upon the vehicle.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/>

The development of lighter and more capable fuel cells has increased the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles. According to Canadian company Hydrogenics, in 2001 its {{cvt|25|kW|hp}} fuel cell weighed {{cvt|290|kg|lbs}} and had an efficiency range between 38 and 45 percent; however, by 2017 their fuel cells weighed {{cvt|72|kg|lbs}} with an efficiency of 48 to 55 percent, a roughly five-fold increase in power density.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> According to Rail Engineer, the use of hydrogen propulsion on certain types of trains (such as freight locomotives or high-speed trains) is less attractive and more challenging than on lower-powered applications (such as shunting locomotives and multiple units).<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> The publication also observes that pressure to cut emissions within the railway industry is likely to play a role in stimulating demand for the uptake of hydrail.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/>

A key technology of a typical hydrogen propulsion system is the fuel cell. This device converts the chemical energy contained within the hydrogen in order to generate electricity, as well as water and heat.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> As such, a fuel cell would operate in a manner that is essentially inverse to the electrolysis process used to create the fuel; consuming pure hydrogen to produce electricity rather than consuming electrical energy to produce hydrogen, albeit incurring some level of energy losses in the exchange.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> Reportedly, the efficiency of converting electricity to hydrogen and back again is just beneath 30 per cent, roughly similar to contemporary diesel engines but less than conventional electric traction using overhead catenary wires. The electricity produced by the onboard fuel cell would be fed into a motor to propel the train.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> Overhead wire electrification costs are around EUR 2m/km, so electrification is not cost-efficient for low-traffic routes and battery and hydrail solutions may be alternatives.<ref name="ec2018">{{cite book |title=Final Report of the High-Level Panel of the European Decarbonisation Pathways Initiative |url=https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/research_and_innovation/research_by_area/documents/ec_rtd_decarbonisation-report_112018.pdf |publisher=European Commission |page=57 |date=November 2018 |doi=10.2777/636 |isbn=978-92-79-96827-3 |quote=Hydrogen fuel cell trains are also more expensive than diesel ones (+30 %) because their energy costs are currently higher and they are less efficient than electric trains. However, their GHG emissions are 45 % lower than diesel, even if hydrogen is produced via steam methane reforming. These 58 emissions can decrease to almost negligible levels when using green and low-carbon hydrogen. |author1=European Commission. Directorate General for Research Innovation |access-date=20 January 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117090538/https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/research_and_innovation/research_by_area/documents/ec_rtd_decarbonisation-report_112018.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Railway industrial publication Railway Engineer has theorised that the expanding prevalence of wind power has led to some countries having surpluses of electrical energy during nighttime hours, and that this trend could offer a means of low-cost and highly available energy with which hydrogen could be conveniently produced via electrolysis.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> Thus, it is believed that the production of hydrogen using off-peak electricity available from countries' electrical grids will be one of the most economic practices available. As of January 2017, hydrogen produced via electrolysis commonly costs roughly the same as natural gas and costs almost double the price of diesel fuel; however, unlike either of these fossil-based fuels, hydrogen propulsion produces zero vehicle emissions.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> A 2018 European Commission report states that if hydrogen is produced by steam methane reforming, hydrail emissions are 45% lower than diesel trains.<ref name="ec2018"/>

According to Rail Engineer and Alstom, a 10 MW wind farm is capable of comfortably producing {{cvt|2.5|t|LT ST|1}} of hydrogen per day—enough to power a fleet of 14 iLint trains over a distance of {{cvt|600|km|mi}} per day.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> Reportedly, as of January 2017, production of hydrogen worldwide has been expanding in quantity and availability, increasing its attractiveness as a fuel. The need to build up a capable distribution network for hydrogen, which in turn requires substantial investments to be made, is likely to play a role in restraining the growth of hydrail at least in the short term.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/>

It was observed by Railway Technology that the rail industry has been historically slow to adopt new technologies and relatively conservative in outlook; however, a successful large-scale deployment of this technology by an early adopter may be decisive in overcoming attitudes of reluctance and traditionalism.<ref name = "rai tech 16"/> Additionally, there could be significant benefits to transitioning from diesel to hydrail propulsion. According to the results of a study performed by a consortium of Hitachi Rail Europe, the University of Birmingham, and Fuel Cell Systems Ltd, hydrail vehicles in the form of re-powered diesel multiple units could be capable of generating significant energy consumption reductions; reportedly, their model indicated a saving of up to 52 percent on the Norwich to Sheringham line over conventional traction.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> An intermediate step using existing railroad technology is burning a mixture of diesel and hydrogen in conventional engines, although this is not zero emission.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Stephens|first=Bill|title=Wabtec sees hydrogen as fuel of the future|pages=8–11|issue=February 2024|volume=84|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/magazine/archive-access/trains-february-2024/|magazine=Trains|publisher=Kalmbach Media}}</ref>

===Hydrolley=== A ''hydrolley'' is a term for a streetcar or tram (trolley) powered by hydrail technology. The term (for ''hydro''gen tro''lley'') was coined at the Fourth International Hydrail Conference, Valencia, Spain, in 2008, as a research-simplifying search engine target word. Onboard hydrogen-derived power eliminates the need for overhead trolley arms and track electrification, greatly reducing construction cost, reducing visual pollution and eliminating the maintenance expense of track electrification. The term 'hydrolley' is preferred to 'hydrail light rail' or other combinations which might connote external electrification.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

=== Safety === {{Main|Hydrogen safety}} Hydrogen is combustible in a wide range (4–74%) of mixtures with air, and explosive in 18–59%.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lewis |first1= Bernard |last2= Guenther|first2=von Elbe |title=Combustion, Flames and Explosions of Gases |edition= 2nd|year= 1961 |publisher= Academic Press, Inc.|location= New York|oclc=859840281 |page= 535}}</ref>

==Projects and prototypes== {{prose|date=August 2022}} * In 2002, the first {{cvt|3.6|t|LT ST|1}}, {{cvt|17|kW|hp}}, hydrogen-powered mining locomotive powered by Nuvera Fuel Cells for Placer Dome was demonstrated in Val-d'Or, Quebec.<ref>[http://aie.org.au/AIE/Documents/CD_Contents_Conference_Proceedings/WHEC2008/Extended%20Abstracts/323.pdf "Fuel-Cell-Powered Mine Locomotive."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224103728/http://aie.org.au/AIE/Documents/CD_Contents_Conference_Proceedings/WHEC2008/Extended%20Abstracts/323.pdf |date=24 December 2014 }} ''Sandia National Laboratories'', 2004.</ref> * In April 2006, the world's first hydrail railcar, which was developed by East Japan Railway Company, was developed.<ref>[http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/20060401/ "Development of the World's First Fuel Cell Hybrid Railcar."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617072044/http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/press/20060401/ |date=17 June 2011 }} ''East Japan Railway Company'', 11 April 2006. Accessed 6 February 2011.</ref><ref name = "rai eng 18"/> * In October 2006, the Railway Technical Research Institute in Japan conducted tests on a fuel cell hydrail, a {{cvt|70|t|LT ST|1}} intercity train powered by Nuvera Fuel Cells.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Japanese fuel cell rail vehicle in running tests|journal=Fuel Cells Bulletin|volume=2006|issue=12|year=2006|pages=2–3|issn=1464-2859|doi=10.1016/S1464-2859(06)71254-8|bibcode=2006FCBu.2006RY..2. }}</ref> * In April 2007, the mini-hydrail from the Taiwan National Science and Technology Museum and Taiwan Fuel Cell Partnership combination made its first educational ride.<ref>[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200704/13/eng20070413_366270.html "World's first hydrogen fuel train tested in Taiwan."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125143521/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200704/13/eng20070413_366270.html |date=25 January 2008 }} ''People's Daily'', 13 April 2007.</ref> * In 2007, the Railway Technical Research Institute in Japan built two {{cvt|62|t|LT ST|1}} passenger cars, each with a {{cvt|450|kW|hp}} PEM fuel cell and a {{cvt|150|kW|hp}} battery.<ref>Adamson, Kerry-Ann [http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/media/pdf/surveys/2007-Niche-Transport%201.pdf "2007 Niche Transport Survey."] July 2007. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711053757/http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/media/pdf/surveys/2007-Niche-Transport%201.pdf |date=11 July 2011 }} (PDF). Fuel Cell Today.</ref> * In 2008, the East Japan Railway Company in Japan tested its experimental "NE Train" hybrid train fitted with two {{cvt|65|kW|hp}} PEM fuel cells and {{cvt|19|kWh|MJ}} lithium-ion batteries for a short period in the Nagano area.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}} * In 2009, BNSF Railway unveiled its Vehicle Projects HH20B, a switcher-locomotive powered by hydrogen fuel cells and developed in conjunction with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Vehicle Projects Inc.<ref>[http://cjonline.com/news/2009-06-29/new_locomotive_unveiled "BNSF Railway and Vehicle Projects Demonstrate Experimental Hydrogen-Fuel-Cell Switch Locomotive."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019180625/http://cjonline.com/news/2009-06-29/new_locomotive_unveiled |date=19 October 2014 }} ''BNSF Railway'', 29 June 2009.</ref> It reportedly performed its first run during 2010.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> * In 2010, a {{convert|357|km|adj=on}} high-speed hydrail line was proposed in Indonesia.<ref>[http://www.interstatetraveler.us/Associates/Marjorie.Hoeh/CAEDZ-Webfiles/cpii_07-hydrotrain03.php.htm "Hydrail: Preliminary Proposal".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029071443/http://www.interstatetraveler.us/Associates/Marjorie.Hoeh/CAEDZ-Webfiles/cpii_07-hydrotrain03.php.htm |date=29 October 2014 }} ''interstatetraveler.us''.</ref> The rail link, now under feasibility study, would connect several cities in Java with a hydrogen-powered maglev system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehydrogenjournal.com/displaynews.php?NewsID=367 |title=Indonesia high speed hydrogen train feasibility study |date=13 January 2010 |publisher=The Hydrogen Journal |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-date=21 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321191354/http://www.thehydrogenjournal.com/displaynews.php?NewsID=367 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=RI could have a super high speed train as early as 2012 |author=Adamrah, Mustaqim |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/08/ri-could-have-a-super-high-speed-train-early-2012.html-0 |newspaper=Jakarta Post |date=8 January 2010 |access-date=26 March 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629053002/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/01/08/ri-could-have-a-super-high-speed-train-early-2012.html-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> * In 2011, FEVE and the University of Valladolid (CIDAUT) launched the FC Tram {{chem|H|2}} Project in Asturias using a converted FABIOLOS series 3400 from SNCV.<ref>[http://www.vialibre-ffe.com/pdf/Tranvia_hidrogeno_Feve.pdf "FEVE hydrogen tram."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303204928/http://www.vialibre-ffe.com/pdf/Tranvia_hidrogeno_Feve.pdf |date=3 March 2016 }} ''vialibre-ffe.com''.</ref><ref name = "rai eng 18"/> It can carry up to 30 passengers with a maximum speed of {{cvt|20|km/h|mph}}. * During 2012, the Hydrogen Train Project in Denmark commenced its efforts to develop and build Europe's first hydrogen powered train using hydrogen in an internal combustion engine.<ref>[http://www.greenhydrogen.dk/Default.aspx?ID=328 "Europe's first hydrogen powered train."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029010909/http://www.greenhydrogen.dk/Default.aspx?ID=328 |date=29 October 2014 }} ''The Hydrogen Train Project''.</ref><ref>[http://www.trb.org/Railroads/Blurbs/155621.aspx "Denmark wants Europe's first hydrogen train."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029034708/http://www.trb.org/Railroads/Blurbs/155621.aspx |date=29 October 2014 }} ''trb.org''.</ref> * In 2012, the mini-hydrail ''Hydrogen Pioneer Train'' from the University of Birmingham, a scaled powertrain for configuration testing.<ref name="HoffrichterFisher2014">{{cite journal|last1=Hoffrichter|first1=Andreas|last2=Fisher|first2=Peter|last3=Tutcher|first3=Jonathan|last4=Hillmansen|first4=Stuart|last5=Roberts|first5=Clive|title=Performance evaluation of the hydrogen-powered prototype locomotive 'Hydrogen Pioneer'|journal=Journal of Power Sources|volume=250|year=2014|pages=120–127|issn=0378-7753|doi=10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.10.134|bibcode=2014JPS...250..120H|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>[https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv/2012/08/first-uk-hydrogen-train.html "First UK hydrogen train takes passengers for a ride."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227231048/https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv/2012/08/first-uk-hydrogen-train.html |date=27 December 2017 }} ''New Scientist'', July 2012.</ref> * Between 2012 and 2014, testing was conducted on the hydrail concept in China.<ref name="PengChen2014">{{cite journal|last1=Peng|first1=Fei|last2=Chen|first2=WeiRong|last3=Liu|first3=Zhixiang|last4=Li|first4=Qi|last5=Dai|first5=Chaohua|title=System integration of China's first proton exchange membrane fuel cell locomotive|journal=International Journal of Hydrogen Energy|volume=39|issue=25|year=2014|pages=13886–13893|issn=0360-3199|doi=10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.01.166|bibcode=2014IJHE...3913886P }}</ref> In November 2010, Southwest Jiaotong University demonstrated their first hydrail prototype.<ref>[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/7215009.html "China introduces first light-rail train with new-energy fuel cells."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104024431/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/7215009.html |date=4 January 2011 }} ''People's Daily'', 29 November 2010.</ref> * During 2012, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) in South Africa and Vehicle Projects Inc. launched 5 PEMFC Trident new era locomotives at the Dishaba mine with reversible metal-hydride storage for testing.<ref>[http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/amplats-testing-fuel-cell-powered-loco-at-rustenburg-mine-2012-05-09 "Amplats testing fuel cell-powered loco at Rustenburg mine."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108073935/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/amplats-testing-fuel-cell-powered-loco-at-rustenburg-mine-2012-05-09 |date=8 November 2014 }} ''engineeringnews.co.za'', 9 May 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/news-archive/2012/february/partnership-to-produce-five-fuel-cell-mine-locomotives "Partnership to produce five fuel cell mine locomotives."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029040751/http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/news-archive/2012/february/partnership-to-produce-five-fuel-cell-mine-locomotives |date=29 October 2014 }} ''fuelcelltoday.com'', February 2012.</ref> * In 2014, the German states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg and the Public Transportation Authorities of Hesse signed a letter of intent with Alstom Transport for trials with two fuel cell Alstom Coradia trains by 2018.<ref>[http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2014/9/innotrans2014-alstom-to-develop-a-new-emission-free-train-for-passengers-in-germany/ "Alstom to develop a new emission-free train for passengers in Germany."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124092403/http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2014/9/innotrans2014-alstom-to-develop-a-new-emission-free-train-for-passengers-in-germany/ |date=24 November 2018 }} ''Alstom'', September 2014.</ref> * During 2015, the University of Warwick started work on a hydrogen powered locomotive.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} That same year, the Downtown Oranjestad streetcar in Aruba went into service; the Downtown Dubai Trolley Project is intended to go into service around Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall in Dubai.<ref name="streetcar1">[http://www.applrguk.co.uk/media/files/027-029_TAUT1501_TIG-M3pdf "Dubai-streetcar"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154320/http://www.applrguk.co.uk/media/files/027-029_TAUT1501_TIG-M3pdf |date=2 April 2015 }} ''applrguk.co.uk''.</ref> In 2015, CSR Sifang Co Ltd. showed its first 380-passenger tram in Qingdao, China.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-25/china-s-hydrogen-powered-future-starts-in-trams-not-cars "Powered future starts in trams, not cars."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125010057/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-25/china-s-hydrogen-powered-future-starts-in-trams-not-cars |date=25 November 2016 }} ''Bloomberg'', 25 March 2015.</ref> * During September 2016, Alstom revealed their newly developed iLint train, produced at their factory in Salzgitter. In November 2017, the state of Lower Saxony's local transportation authority ordered an initial fleet of 14 iLints. Testing and approval by the German Federal Railway Authority Eisenbahn-Bundesamt commenced in late 2016.<ref>Doll, Von Nikolaus. [https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article158262466/Erster-Wasserstoff-Zug-der-Welt-faehrt-in-Deutschland.html "Erster Wasserstoff-Zug der Welt fährt in Deutschland."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920102649/https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article158262466/Erster-Wasserstoff-Zug-der-Welt-faehrt-in-Deutschland.html |date=20 September 2016 }} ''welt.de'', 20 September 2016.</ref> * 2016 – CRRC TRC(Tangshan) developed the world's first commercial fuel cell hybrid tram and completed its first test run on Nanhu industrial tourism demonstration operation in 2017. * 2018 – A pair of prototype Ilint trains are to enter regular revenue service on the Buxtehude–Bremervörde–Bremerhaven–Cuxhaven region. Schleswig-Holstein intends to electrify the entirety of its {{cvt|1100|km|mi}} network using a fleet of 60 iLint hydrail vehicles by 2025.<ref name = "rai tech 16"/> As of January 2018, all vehicles are planned to be maintained at a depot in Bremervorde, which will be the world's first hydrogen train refuelling depot; hydrogen is to be generated on-site using local wind turbines.<ref name = "rai eng 18"/> * In September 2017, Alstom proposed a trial of Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered train on the new Liverpool to Chester line in England, which is scheduled for opening in December 2018. Alstom have a new facility in Halebank on the edge of Liverpool adjacent to the line, with hydrogen available from the nearby Stanlow Refinery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theengineer.co.uk/alstom-liverpool-hydrogen-train-trials/|title=Alstom eyes Liverpool trials for hydrogen fuel-cell powered train|date=25 September 2017|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307022645/https://www.theengineer.co.uk/alstom-liverpool-hydrogen-train-trials/|url-status=live}}</ref> * In March 2018, the Sarawak state government in Malaysia proposed that the Kuching Light Rail Transit system will be powered using hydrogen fuel cells and is expected to be completed by 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/03/30/sarawaks-lrt-to-use-hydrogen-fuel-cell-trains/|title=Sarawak's LRT to use hydrogen fuel cell trains|work=The Star|date=30 March 2018|access-date=24 June 2018|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624092908/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/03/30/sarawaks-lrt-to-use-hydrogen-fuel-cell-trains/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in September 2018, the Sarawak Chief Minister announced that the project has been placed on hold, citing that the funds were needed elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/s/1668375/no-lrt-for-sarawak-for-time-being-cm-confirms|title=No LRT for Sarawak for time being, CM confirms|author=Sulok Tawie|publisher=Malay Mail|date=1 September 2018|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001104126/https://www.malaymail.com/s/1668375/no-lrt-for-sarawak-for-time-being-cm-confirms|url-status=live}}</ref> * In June 2019, East Japan Railway Company announced that it is investing into developing a two-car trainset using hydrogen fuel-cell technology from Toyota, hoping to start trials by 2021 and have commercially viable technology ready by 2024. Toyota has been using fuel cell technology in the Mirai cars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/asia/single-view/view/jr-east-to-trial-toyota-powered-fuel-cell-multiple-unit.html|title=JR East to trial Toyota-powered fuel cell multiple-unit|publisher=Railway Gazette|date=7 June 2019|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-date=9 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609164818/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/asia/single-view/view/jr-east-to-trial-toyota-powered-fuel-cell-multiple-unit.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * In June–July 2019, Italy's Ministry of Economic Development gathered stakeholders input on hydrogen rollout projects in various sectors, including rail transport.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-07-31 |title=Mise: primo Tavolo sull'idrogeno, il Report |url=https://www.instm.it/news/mise_primo_tavolo_sull_idrogeno_il_report.aspx |access-date=2025-10-29 |work=INSTM}}</ref> These included the conversion from diesel to hydrogen of a {{cvt|310|km|mi}} railway link across four regions of central Italy, from Sansepolcro (Tuscany) to Sulmona (Abruzzo). Developed by Italy's Cinque International together with US AECOM, Spain's Iberdrola and other local partners,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-24 |title=Iberdrola teams up with AECOM on hydrogen rail link in Italy |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/iberdrola-teams-up-with-aecom-hydrogen-rail-link-italy-2021-08-24/ |access-date=2025-10-29 |work=Reuters}}</ref> the project was included in the priority list of Italy's Ministry of Transport<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morino |first=Marco |date=2021-12-12 |title=Treni, ecco il piano per portare la rete a idrogeno in 11 regioni italiane |url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/treni-ecco-piano-portare-rete-idrogeno-11-regioni-italiane-AEHY8t1 |access-date=2025-10-29 |work=Il Sole 24 Ore}}</ref> and in the project pipeline of the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance. On 20 December 2021, the Prime Minister's office allocated €50M for the purchase of rolling stock and for three renewable hydrogen production sites alog the railway, albeit limited to the Terni-Rieti-L'Aquila-Sulmona route.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-12-20 |title=PNC Aree Sisma: approvata l'Ordinanza per il treno "verde" a idrogeno tra Terni e Sulmona |url=https://sisma2016.gov.it/2021/12/20/pnrr-aree-sisma-approvata-lordinanza-per-il-treno-verde-a-idrogeno-tra-terni-e-sulmona/ |access-date=2025-10-29 |work=Commissario Straordinario Ricostruzzione Sisma 2016}}</ref> * In November 2019, the first hydrogen fuel cell train in the United States was ordered from Swiss manufacturer Stadler Rail for service on the soon to open Arrow commuter rail service between Redlands, California, and San Bernardino, California.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stadler to deliver hydrogen-powered train to SBCTA |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/stadler-deliver-hydrogen-powered-train-sbcta/ |access-date=24 November 2019 |agency=Railway Age |date=15 November 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228033333/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/stadler-deliver-hydrogen-powered-train-sbcta/ |url-status=live }}</ref> *On 17 March 2021, French Railway Company announced that 15 Hydrail would be operated on the Caen-Alençon-Le Mans-Tours line (northwest France) in the next 5 years. The line exclusively used diesel-fuelled X 72500 and XGC.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 March 2021|title=SNCF. Des trains à hydrogène rouleront d'ici à cinq ans sur la ligne TER Caen-Alençon-Le Mans-Tours|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/le-mans-72000/sncf-des-trains-a-hydrogene-rouleront-d-ici-a-cinq-ans-sur-la-ligne-ter-caen-alencon-le-mans-tours-5cfcd1c2-8711-11eb-966b-39d51c00688c#:~:text=SNCF.-,Des%20trains%20%C3%A0%20hydrog%C3%A8ne%20rouleront%20d'ici%20%C3%A0%20cinq%20ans,du%20mercredi%2017%20mars%202021.|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2021|language=fr|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428075134/https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/le-mans-72000/sncf-des-trains-a-hydrogene-rouleront-d-ici-a-cinq-ans-sur-la-ligne-ter-caen-alencon-le-mans-tours-5cfcd1c2-8711-11eb-966b-39d51c00688c#:~:text=SNCF.-,Des%20trains%20%C3%A0%20hydrog%C3%A8ne%20rouleront%20d'ici%20%C3%A0%20cinq%20ans,du%20mercredi%2017%20mars%202021.}}</ref> *In April 2021, 14 Hydrail (two of which optional) were ordered by French Railway Company from Alstom for an amount of 200 million euros. The trains will be operated by 2025 in four regions (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est et Occitanie).<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 April 2021|title=La SNCF donne le coup d'envoi au TER hydrogène à la française|url=https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/tourisme-transport/la-sncf-donne-le-coup-denvoi-au-ter-hydrogene-a-la-francaise-avec-quatre-regions-1304932|access-date=28 April 2021|website=Les Echos|language=fr|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428085944/https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/tourisme-transport/la-sncf-donne-le-coup-denvoi-au-ter-hydrogene-a-la-francaise-avec-quatre-regions-1304932|url-status=live}}</ref> These trains have 600 km of autonomy without direct {{CO2}} emission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trains à hydrogène : Une nouvelle étape du développement de la mobilité durable au service des territoires|url=https://fr.linkedin.com/pulse/trains-%C3%A0-hydrog%C3%A8ne-une-nouvelle-%C3%A9tape-du-de-la-durable-farandou|access-date=28 April 2021|website=fr.linkedin.com|language=fr|archive-date=25 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825121055/https://fr.linkedin.com/pulse/trains-%C3%A0-hydrog%C3%A8ne-une-nouvelle-%C3%A9tape-du-de-la-durable-farandou|url-status=live}}</ref> *In September 2022, Caltrans and CalSTA placed an order for 29 (four on official order and 25 optional) Hydrogen Fuel Cell transits from Stadler. These trains will be used on Amtrak California services.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weinberg |first1=Harrison |title=Stadler unveils first hydrogen train for U.S., announces order for up to 29 more |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/stadler-unveils-first-hydrogen-train-for-u-s-announces-order-for-up-to-29-more/ |access-date=September 21, 2022 |website=Trains.com |date=21 September 2022 |publisher=Keith Fender}}</ref> * '''Hydrogen locomotives''' – BNSF, Caterpillar, Progress Rail, and Chevron partnered up in 2021 to develop a hydrogen fuel cell locomotive prototype.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.chevron.com/newsroom/2021/q4/caterpillar-bnsf-and-chevron-agree-to-pursue-hydrogen-locomotive-demonstration | title=CVX, CAT, BNSF Hydrogen Locomotive Demo }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bnsf.com/news-media/news-releases/newsrelease.page?relId=caterpillar-bnsf-and-chevron-agree-to-pursue-hydrogen-locomotive-demonstration | title=Caterpillar, BNSF and Chevron Agree to Pursue Hydrogen Locomotive Demonstration }}</ref> CSX and Canadian Pacific teamed up in 2023 to develop hydrogen conversion kits to retrofit diesel locomotives to hydrogen.<ref>{{Cite web | title=CPKC and CSX Announce Planned Collaboration to Develop Additional Hydrogen Locomotives - CSX.com | url=https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/about-us/media/press-releases/cpkc-and-csx-announce-planned-collaboration-to-develop-additional-hydrogen-locomotives/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628124928/https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/about-us/media/press-releases/cpkc-and-csx-announce-planned-collaboration-to-develop-additional-hydrogen-locomotives/ | access-date=2026-02-18 | archive-date=2023-06-28}}</ref> * The proposed Valley Link commuter rail service in Northern California is planning to use zero emission hydrogen trainsets for its operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hydrogen Feasibility Study |url=https://www.valleylinkrail.com/h2 |website=Valley Link Rail |publisher=Tri-Valley–San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority |access-date=January 15, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Valley Link Advances Vision to be Nation's First Passenger Rail System to Operate on Self-Produced Green Hydrogen Fuel |url=https://www.valleylinkrail.com/_files/ugd/95df9a_674d9a87b581483298ba7119a35c9e13.pdf |website=Valley Link Rail |publisher=Trii-Valley–San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority |access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref> * 2024: A hydrogen fuel-cell passenger train developed by Swiss rail vehicle maker Stadler Rail has achieved a new Guinness World Record, travelling nonstop for a distance of {{cvt|1741.7|mi|km}} over two days.<ref>{{cite web | title=Fuel-cell train travels more than 1,700 miles on one tank of hydrogen | date=27 March 2024 | url=https://newatlas.com/transport/flirt-h2-fuel-cell-train-guinness/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body }}</ref> * Project '''Hympulso''' is a Spanish initiative announced in 2024 and lead by Talgo focused on the development of the world’s first hydrogen-powered high-speed train. Furthermore, the project seeks to analyze the feasibility to power Spain’s entire rail network, which represents the second largest high-speed network in the world.<ref>[https://www.talgo.com/es/una-decena-de-empresas-espanolas-se-alian-para-adaptar-por-primera-vez-la-propulsion-de-hidrogeno-a-un-tren-de-alta-velocidad talgo.com]</ref> * The Integral Coach factory, in association with the Indian railways, plans to convert one DHMU into a hydrogen fuel cell based train.It is planned to be rolled out in late 2025 and be used on the heritage Kalka-Shimla route.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simhan |first=TE Raja |date=2025-03-25 |title=India's first hydrogen fuel cell train set may roll out from ICF in April–May |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/indias-first-hydrogen-fuel-cell-train-set-likely-to-be-rolled-out-from-icf-in-april-may/article69370423.ece |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-18 |title=India's first hydrogen train to launch soon: Route, speed, features and more |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/indias-first-hydrogen-train-to-launch-soon-route-speed-features-and-more-2695063-2025-03-18 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> * The Indian Railways has begun a series of tests for a Hydrogen train prototype in Jind, Haryana. Built with eight coaches, the hydrogen train reached a top speed of {{cvt|70|km/h|mph}} during its inaugural test run on March 2nd 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-03-02 |title=India’s first hydrogen train runs trial from Jind at 70 kmph. Key details |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/indias-first-hydrogen-train-runs-trial-from-jind-at-70-kmph-key-details-2876388-2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

==Operating trains by country== === Germany=== In September 2018, the world's first commercial hydrogen-powered passenger train entered service in Lower Saxony, Germany. The Alstom-developed train uses a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 September 2018|title=Hydrogen fuel cell train to enter service|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_04/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918014942/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_04/|archive-date=18 September 2018|access-date=18 September 2018|publisher=NHK World – Japan}}</ref> In August 2022, the first rail line entirely run by hydrogen-powered trains debuted in Bremervörde, Lower Saxony, where the route's 15 diesel trains are being gradually replaced.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Buckley |first1=Julia |title=The world's first hydrogen-powered passenger trains are here |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/coradia-ilint-hydrogen-trains/index.html |access-date=15 September 2022 |work=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

=== India=== {{Update|section|date=March 2026}} On August 13, 2025, Indian Railways unveiled a {{cvt|1200|hp|kW}} hydrogen train.<ref>{{cite web | title=India's 1st hydrogen train to roll out from Chennai's Integral Coach Factory | website=DT Next | date=13 August 2025 | url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/national/indias-1st-hydrogen-train-to-roll-out-from-integral-coach-factory-843210 }}</ref>The first service is planned for the Jind–Sonipat section of the Northern Railway Zone, with a maximum speed of {{cvt|150|km/h|mph}}. The fuel cell systems are provided by Tata Advanced Systems.

Indian railways and R.D.S.O. were expected to conduct final trials between Jind and Sonipat by Mid March 2026. The trainset is expected to start its commercial run after this trial.

A hydrogen plant has been set up in Jind with the help of Spanish company named Green H, and is already operational. The train has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,600. Its coaches are based on urban metro designs and are equipped with DC air-conditioning units, automatic doors, and a public announcement system.

During the First week of March 2026 the hydrogen train (now being called) "Namo Green Rail" went through extensive trial under supervision of Indian Railways technical staff and experts.

The 10-Car Train with 1200 KW Engine was Approved by Indian Railways to Operate at a Maximum Speed of 75 kmph on Jind-Sonipat Section on 27 may 2026.<ref name="PIB2026Hydrogen">{{cite web | title = Greener & More Energy Efficient; First Indigenous Hydrogen Train All Set to Start | url = https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2265781&reg=3&lang=1 | publisher = Press Information Bureau, Government of India | date = 27 May 2026 | access-date = 30 May 2026 }}</ref>

===Japan=== The FV-E991 series hydrogen train entered fare paying service in 2022 on the Tsurumi Line between Yokohama and Kawasaki, as a test service.<ref>{{cite web | title=East Japan Railway unveils hydrogen-powered train | date=18 February 2022 | url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/japan-railway-hydrogen-train/ }}</ref>

===South Korea=== In July 2024, 38 hydrogen fuel cell trams manufactured by Hyundai Rotem were selected to operate on Daejeon Metro Line 2. The supply contract has already been signed, and delivery is scheduled to begin in 2026. The line is expected to enter service in 2028.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 August 2024 |title=대전 수소트램 사업 본격화…"2028년 개통 목표 10월 첫삽 |url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/2024082665731 |work=The Korea Economic Daily}}</ref>

===United States=== The first hydrogen train in the United States began operations on Arrow between San Bernardino and Redlands, California on September 13, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metrolink launches 1st zero-emission train on Arrow line in San Bernardino |url=https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2025/09/13/metrolink-launches-1st-zero-emission-train-on-arrow-line-in-san-bernardino/ |website=Redlands Daily Facts |access-date=15 September 2025 |date=13 September 2025}}</ref> The train runs through an area with poor air quality.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Feeney | first1=Jules | title='Transformational': How a California city launched America's first hydrogen-powered passenger train | work=The Guardian | date=3 September 2024 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/03/california-hydrogen-powered-train-air-quality-solution }}</ref>

=== Canada === In 2024 and 2025 CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) Railway has introduced 3 new H2 locomotives into commercial operations as part of a long term pilot project to move to a carbon free locomotive fleet (with support from the Province of Alberta). A paper was produced for the province looking at the viability H2 powered locomotives. The conclusion was that it is a viable solution, and in fact as part of the report, it was concluded that battery powered heavy duty locomotives are just not practical for a variety of reasons, including the economics. As of mid 2025, CPKC continues to operate 3 types of H2 locomotives including one that has transitioned to commercial coal hauling using its highest power locomotive type (CP 1200). In May 2025 the company supplying the fuel cells announced further orders for CPKC for building out a further 4 CP 1200 sized locomotives for a total of 7 units (1 existing 1200, plus 2 smaller sized units).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=Hydrogen Locomotive CPKC Launched in Canada |url=https://www.railway.supply/en/hydrogen-locomotive-cpkc-launched-in-canada/ |website=Railway Supply}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Emissions Reduction Alberta |date=2024-10-15 |title=The CP Hydrogen Rail Initiative |url=https://www.eralberta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2024-10-15-ERA-Final-Report-Public.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fritz-Bleeck |first=Nicole |date=2025-04-30 |title=CPKC expands Ballard-powered hydrogen locomotive fleet on its path to decarbonization |url=https://blog.ballard.com/rail/cpkc-expands-ballard-powered-hydrogen-locomotive-fleet }}</ref>

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Fuel cell-powered rail vehicles}} *[http://www.hyrail.eu/ EU FP 6 HyRail Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131232248/http://www.hyrail.eu/ |date=31 January 2009 }} *[https://hydrail.org/ Hydrail.org] Appalachian State University

Category:Trains Category:Hydrogen rolling stock