Decarbonizing rail transportation is a challenge. Electrification is very expensive. Batteries don’t have enough oomph to
move heavy trains. And the current
fossil fuel – diesel – is relatively cheap and efficient. One proposed solution is the use of
hydrogen fuel cells. And the good
news is that real hydrogen fuel cell trains are now in actual revenue service
in Germany!
The manufacturer Alstom has provided two prototype train
sets to a transportation authority in the state of Lower Saxony in
Germany. These are multiple-unit
trains sets used in regional, commuter operations. They promise to be efficient, very quiet, zero emission, and
hopefully economically viable.
(See the story in Engadget here, International Railway Journal here.)
Good luck, Alstom – this
could be a big step forward!
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