The world’s two first hydrogen-powered trains have begun service in Germany. The trains operate between northern German towns and are one step forward towards sustainable development. The trains, manufactured by Alstom are equipped with fuel cells which convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, thus eliminating pollutant emissions related to propulsion. Coradia iLint trains will be operated on line running between Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervörde and Buxtehude
The trains can travel at a speed of 140 kmph and run on a track of 100 km. Diesel engines have been powering our trains for more than a century now and an innovation in one of the oldest industries was much called for. The gaseous hydrogen will be pumped into the trains from a 40-foot-high steel container next to the tracks at Bremervörde station. The Coradia iLint trains are capable of running 1000 km in a single tank of hydrogen, which is considered at par with a diesel engine. Alstom’s main goal right now is making non-electrified train lines more environmentally friendly.
The federal government has actively supported the development and testing of the new drive technology in Lower Saxony by providing funds from the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.
“Sure, buying a hydrogen train is somewhat more expensive than a diesel train, but it is cheaper to run,” said Stefan Schrank, the projects manager at Alstom.
Alstom will be setting up one more stationary filling tank by 2021, when it will also be delivering 14 more trains, adding to the fleet of environment-friendly trains of the century.
“This is a revolution for Alstom and for the future of mobility. The world’s first hydrogen fuel cell train is entering passenger service and is ready for serial production, The Coradia iLint heralds a new era in emission-free rail transport. It is an innovation that results from French-German teamwork and exemplifies successful cross-border cooperation.” said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom.
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