Hydrogen Trains: Not The Success Germany Hoped They Would Be
1 min read
Summary
Railway operators in Europe face challenges replacing diesel traction with greener alternatives as they move toward a zero-carbon future.
Germany’s Rhine-Main railway received a fleet of 27 Alstom hydrogen-powered multiple units, but they have faced issues with reliability and spare parts.
Some observers suggest the failure lies with the hydrogen traction rather than with fuel transport, as seen with other hydrogen transport projects.
More successful trials using battery units are showing that they could be the future of trains.
Hydrogen projects continue to be launched but many fail, and some question whether the technology will ever become a practical solution.
The reliability, efficiency and sustainability of battery trains and other electric trains powered by overhead lines are proven technologies.
The pace of decarbonisation in Europe looks set to accelerate following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, making the case for hydrogen as a fuel for trains less compelling.
