What Are Hydrogen Fuel Trains? India Set to Become the 5th Nation to Operate Hydrogen-Powered Trains

Hydrogen fuel trains are a revolutionary mode of transportation that utilises hydrogen as a clean and sustainable fuel source. 

Unlike traditional trains that rely on fossil fuels, hydrogen trains produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell, resulting in zero emissions and only water vapour as a byproduct. 

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This process offers a promising solution to decarbonise the railway sector and reduce air pollution. 

This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The first hydrogen train in India is expected to run on the heritage Kalka-Shimla route. 

With this, India joins Germany, China, France, and the UK in using hydrogen-powered trains.

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What Are Hydrogen Fuel Trains? How Do They Work?

Hydrogen trains utilise hydrogen as their primary fuel source, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered trains. 

These trains leverage the chemical energy of hydrogen for propulsion, employing either hydrogen internal combustion engines or, more commonly, fuel cells that react hydrogen with oxygen to power electric motors. 

The only emission from hydrogen fuel cell trains is water vapour, making them a carbon-free transportation option.

How Hydrogen Trains Work:

• Fuel Cells: The core of a hydrogen train is its fuel cell, where hydrogen and oxygen combine to produce electricity and water.
• Electric Power: The electricity generated by the fuel cell drives the train’s electric motors, propelling the wheels.
• Energy Storage: To manage power demands during acceleration or hill climbing, some hydrogen trains use energy storage systems like batteries or supercapacitors to store excess electricity.

Types of Hydrogen Trains:

• Passenger Trains: Ideal for short to medium distances, these trains offer a clean and quiet transport mode, particularly suited for regional or suburban routes where railway electrification is impractical.
• Freight Trains: Hydrogen trains present a sustainable alternative to diesel locomotives for transporting goods, especially over long distances.

Advantages of Hydrogen Trains:

• Zero Emissions: Hydrogen trains produce no direct CO2 emissions, with water as the only byproduct.
• Reduced Noise: They operate with significantly less noise compared to diesel engines.
• Sustainability: They contribute to a cleaner environment by eliminating harmful emissions like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
• Efficient Operation: They can run for extended periods between refuelling and can be refuelled quickly.

Hydrogen Train Initiatives Around the World:

• Germany Has the world’s first hydrogen filling station for passenger trains and a fleet of hydrogen-powered regional trains.
• India Is set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train with plans for extensive infrastructure updates and nationwide expansion. The trial run is planned on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
• North America: Alstom has successfully demonstrated the first commercial service of a hydrogen-powered train.

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Benefits of Hydrogen-Powered Trains

Hydrogen-powered trains present numerous advantages as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered trains. These benefits include:

Environmental Benefits:

• Zero Emissions: Hydrogen trains produce only water vapour and heat, eliminating harmful emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector.
• Improved Air Quality: By emitting only water, hydrogen trains contribute to cleaner air quality, making them an attractive option for urban and long-distance transport.

Energy Efficiency:

• Efficient Fuel Conversion: Hydrogen trains utilise fuel cells that convert a higher percentage of fuel energy into usable electricity compared to diesel engines.
• Reduced Fuel Consumption: The increased energy efficiency of hydrogen trains leads to lower fuel consumption and reduced waste, offering potential cost savings.

Infrastructure Compatibility:

• Versatile Integration: Hydrogen trains can operate on both electrified and non-electrified tracks, allowing for gradual adoption without significant upfront investment in new infrastructure.
• Retrofitting: Potential Hydrogen trains can be retrofitted into existing trains and lines, providing a cost-effective alternative to electrification, especially for rural lines.

Additional Benefits:

• Long Range: Hydrogen fuel cell trains can travel up to 1000 kilometres between refuelling, which is significantly farther than battery-powered electric trains.
• Quick Refueling: Refuelling hydrogen trains is quick, with the ability to run for 18 or more hours after less than 20 minutes of refuelling.
• Quiet Operation: Hydrogen trains offer a smooth and quiet driving experience, emitting low noise levels due to the exhaust being only steam and condensed water.
• Versatile Application: Fuel cell technology can be applied to both commuter and freight trains

Additional details about Hydrogen-powered trains:

• Hydrogen is not directly used for propulsion; instead, it is fed into a fuel cell to produce electricity.
• Fuel cells and hydrogen tanks are typically mounted on the roof of the train.
• Hydrogen trains can operate for extended periods between refuelling, often more than 18 hours. Refuelling is also fast, with a downtime of less than 20 minutes.
• These trains produce no CO2 emissions, releasing only water. The heat generated can be used for air conditioning.
• Hydrogen trains can convert non-electrified railway lines into zero-emission lines without the need for extensive electrification infrastructure.

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India’s Plans for Hydrogen Trains

Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first hydrogen train, with trial runs expected to begin between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. 

This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. 

The project, known as “Hydrogen for Heritage,” involves retrofitting existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes with hydrogen fuel cells.

Key Aspects of India’s Hydrogen Train Program:

• Project Overview: The “Hydrogen for Heritage” project includes developing 35 hydrogen fuel cell trains to operate on heritage and hilly routes. The estimated cost is ₹80 crore per train, with an additional investment of ₹70 crore in ground infrastructure per route.
• Technology: The hydrogen-powered train, developed by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, uses advanced fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, emitting only water vapor. India’s hydrogen engine can deliver 1200 horsepower.
• Trial Run: The initial trial is likely to begin in January 2025 on the 90-kilometre Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
• Infrastructure: A 1-megawatt Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser in Jind will produce approximately 430 kg of hydrogen per day. The refuelling infrastructure at Jind will include a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage, a hydrogen compressor, and two hydrogen dispensers.
• Safety Measures: Germany’s TUV-SUD is conducting a third-party safety assessment to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Environmental Benefits: Hydrogen fuel cells enable the train to avoid emitting carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter and produce 60% less noise than diesel-powered engines.
• Financials: Around ₹2,800 crore has been earmarked for developing hydrogen fuel cell trains, with an additional ₹600 crore for related hydrogen energy infrastructure. A pilot project retrofitting a DEMU rake with hydrogen fuel cells is costing ₹111.83 crore.
• Speed and Range: The train is expected to reach a maximum speed of 140 km/h and travel up to 1,000 kilometres before refuelling.
• Global Context: With this development, India will join Germany, France, Sweden, and China as the fifth nation worldwide to operate hydrogen-powered trains.

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How Long Does It Take to Refuel a Hydrogen Train?

Refuelling a hydrogen train is comparable to refuelling a diesel locomotive and typically takes about the same amount of time. 

While charging a battery-electric train can take hours, refuelling a hydrogen train takes only 15-20 minutes. Some hydrogen trains, such as the Stadler Flirt H2, can be refuelled in 30 minutes.

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HRS is also working to develop very high-speed refuelling technologies. Their objective is to refuel a high-capacity truck (100 kg) in just 10 minutes.

How Do Hydrogen Trains Compare to Electric Trains in Terms of Efficiency?

Hydrogen trains have pros and cons when compared to electric trains. Electric trains are generally more efficient, but hydrogen trains can be a viable alternative in specific situations.

Efficiency:

Electric trains are more efficient than hydrogen trains. Catenary power for electric trains can be over 95% efficient, and regular batteries are almost 90% efficient.

The efficiency of converting electricity to hydrogen and back again is just below 30%, which is similar to diesel engines but less than electric trains.

Fuel cell systems in hydrogen trains have a lower efficiency (around 50%) than electric trains in terms of usable electrical energy.

Cost and Infrastructure:

• Electrifying tracks for electric trains can cost around $1.4 million per kilometre.
• Hydrogen trains need refuelling stations, which can be massive and pose safety concerns, especially in tunnels. A hydrogen distribution network requires substantial investments.
• Hydrogen production via electrolysis can be achieved using surplus electrical energy during off-peak hours, potentially offering a cost-effective energy source.
• To be cost-competitive with entry-level diesel trains, hydrogen requires a hydrogen cost of around $12/kg, diesel at $6/gallon and a $50/tonne carbon price.

Emissions:

• Hydrogen trains are advertised as better for the environment because their only emissions are steam.
• Even if hydrogen is produced by steam methane reforming, hydrail emissions are 45% lower than diesel trains.
• Electric trains produce lower emissions than hydrogen trains.

Other Considerations:

• Hydrogen trains are still in the prototype stage, while electric battery trains are commercially available.
• Hydrogen fuel cells have a limited lifetime, around 5 years.
• Hydrogen propulsion produces zero vehicle emissions.
• Hydrogen trains can be used as a transition from diesel by burning a mixture of diesel and hydrogen in conventional engines.

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What is the Cost Difference Between Hydrogen Trains and Traditional Diesel Trains?

Hydrogen-powered trains typically have higher initial costs compared to diesel-powered trains. 

However, due to factors like decreasing green hydrogen costs and better energy conversion efficiency, hydrogen trains can offer overall lifetime cost savings.

Cost Analysis:

• Initial Costs: For the Kalka-Shimla route, hydrogen-powered trains have higher initial costs (approximately INR 41–50 crore) than diesel-powered trains (approximately INR 27 crore). 
• Similarly, for an industrial shunting yard route, hydrogen trains have higher initial costs (INR 15–25 crore) compared to diesel trains (INR 10 crore).
• Lifecycle Costs: Hydrogen trains may offer an overall lifetime cost savings of INR 18–33 crore compared with diesel-powered trains on the Kalka–Shimla route. 
• For the industrial shunting yard route, hydrogen trains can offer lifetime cost savings of up to INR 26 crore compared with diesel-powered trains.
• Fuel Cost: A key factor in the economic viability of hydrogen trains is the price of hydrogen, which has the potential to reduce to $4 per kilogram as technology and infrastructure improve. 
• In contrast, diesel fuel costs are projected to rise, with estimates suggesting a 21% increase by 2030. The break-even cost for hydrogen relative to diesel is around $2.20 per kilogram for freight locomotives.
• Comparison with Electric and Battery-Powered Trains: Electrifying a route can be more than double the lifetime cost of hydrogen or battery alternatives. 
• Battery-powered trains can have similar lifetime costs to hydrogen trains but may face technical limitations such as exceeding weight allowances.
• Cost Competitiveness: To be cost-competitive with entry-level diesel trains, hydrogen requires approximately $12/kg, diesel at $6/gallon, and a carbon price of $50/tonne.
• German Findings: A German state found hydrogen trains to be up to 80% more expensive than electric options. On the Nagoldtalbahn, hydrogen was estimated to cost €476m, compared to €262m for a battery hybrid, which is 81% more expensive.

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India to Launch Its First Hydrogen-Powered Train: A Green Revolution in Railways

Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly, zero-emission travel and aligning to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Key Points:

• Technology and Design: The hydrogen-powered train, designed by the Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in Lucknow, uses advanced fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, emitting only water vapour. 
• Unlike traditional trains, these hydrogen-powered trains don’t need electrified tracks, cutting down on infrastructure costs, especially in rural areas.
• Trial Run: The trial run is expected to begin in January 2025 on the 90-kilometre Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. 
• This route was selected because of its established infrastructure and moderate train traffic, which will help assess the train’s performance and safety. The first trial run is anticipated to commence in March 2025.
• Cost and Infrastructure: Each hydrogen train costs an estimated ₹80 crore, with an additional ₹70 crore for ground infrastructure. 
• The government has allocated ₹2,800 crore for developing 35 hydrogen fuel cell trains and an additional ₹600 crore for related hydrogen energy infrastructure. 
• A dedicated refuelling system capable of storing up to 3000 kilograms of hydrogen will support daily train operations.
• Environmental Impact: Hydrogen trains produce zero emissions, contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. They are also expected to be 60% quieter than diesel trains.
• Horsepower: India’s hydrogen-powered engine can deliver an impressive 1,200 horsepower, surpassing other hydrogen engines across the world that generally operate at around 500 to 600 horsepower.
• Global Interest: Other nations, such as Mauritius, are considering adopting this technology to reduce their environmental impact.
• “Hydrogen for Heritage” Project: As part of this venture, existing Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes will be retrofitted with green hydrogen fuel cells.
• Water Usage: The train will require about 40,000 liters of water per hour, and special water storage facilities will be built to support this operation.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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