The world’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains was launched by Germany. The first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains has replaced 15 diesel trains that were previously operated on nonelectrified tracks in Lower Saxony, Germany. The engine of the trains is powered by electricity generated using hydrogen fuel cells.
The use of hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels as per the German government’s announcement. The state governor Stephan Weil said that Lower Saxony has invested a total of 93 million euros for the first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger train projects. This invitation is an excellent example and effort to make the economy of Germany greener.
Bank Maha Pack includes Live Batches, Test Series, Video Lectures & eBooks
Key points:
- Alstom is a French company that manufactures trains, and these trains are operated by regional rail company LNVG on routes between the Northern towns of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerda, and Buxtehude.
- These trains have ranges up to 1000 kilometers and a maximum speed of 140 kph. After the introduction of the first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains, the hydrogen produced with renewable energy the trains will save up to 1.6 liters of diesel in a year.
- For now, hydrogen is produced as a byproduct of chemical processes, however, the German Specialty Gas Company Linde, plans to manufacture hydrogen using only renewable energy in the coming years.