Germany has launched the world’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains to replace non-electrified trains that were previously running on diesel.
On Wednesday, the German officials launched a fleet of the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train. The trains run on hydrogen fuel cells. Furthermore, the launch of the renewable energy train aims to replace 15 diesel trains that previously operated on non-electrified tracks in Lower Saxony.
The government of Germany supports the project wherein hydrogen is used as an alternative to fossil fuels. According to State Governor Stephan Weil, this 93 million-euro project is an “excellent example” of Lower Saxony’s efforts to make its economy greener and environment-friendly.
Germany’s Hydrogen-powered trains are manufactured by Alstom.
The hydrogen-powered trains are manufactured by Alstom, a french company. Alstom markets and develops renewable energy solutions to revolutionise the future of transportation. Furthermore, Alstom reveals these renewable trains can save 1.6 million litres of diesel in a year.
In addition, hydrogen-powered trains called Coradia iLint trains have a range of 1,000 kilometres with a maximum speed of 140 kilometres per hour.
According to reports, the train emits steam and condensed water while operating on low noise. In addition, it also has several innovative features such as flexible energy storage in batteries and is designed specifically for non-electrified lines.
Further, it enables clean and sustainable train operations while maintaining high performance.
The Coradia iLint trains are operated by regional rail company Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen (LNVG). In addition, the train will be running on routes between the northern town of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Mremervoerde, and Buxtehude.
Currently, hydrogen is produced as a by-product of chemical processes. However, German officials aim to manufacture hydrogen locally, using renewable energy. The shift will supposedly take three years.
The hydrogen-powered trains are a great step to combat dependence on fossil fuels. Further, this may encourage other countries to shift from fossil fuels and incorporate renewable and sustainable energy solutions.
