Quebec Rails Test Hydrogen-powered Train For First Time In North America
With the successful trial of North America's first hydrogen-powered train, Quebec, Canada, has made history in environmentally friendly transportation. This innovative programme represents a big step towards lowering carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly rail travel.?
The innovative hydrogen-powered train debuted on the rail network of the province due to collaboration between Quebec's transportation authority and top technology companies. Hydrogen fuel cells power this cutting-edge locomotive, which operates while emitting just water vapour and no hazardous emissions. The trial was designed to evaluate the train's effectiveness and viability for use in the future.?
Environmentalists and transportation fans have expressed interest in the train's cutting-edge technology. This hydrogen-powered train offers a viable alternative to fight climate change and lessen the carbon footprint of the transportation industry, in contrast to conventional diesel-powered trains, which significantly contribute to glasshouse gas emissions.
Train Powered By Hydrogen Tested On Quebec Rails For The First Time In North America
As part of a $8 million pilot experiment this summer, Alstom's Coradia iLint train travels along the rails connecting Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec.
The train operates on green hydrogen manufactured by Harnois ?nergies and is propelled by a hydrogen fuel cell, emitting only water vapour. Alstom claims the train is the first of its kind in North America. It has been in commercial operation in Germany since 2018, but today is its North American premiere.
Last winter, engineers from the Train de Charlevoix were dispatched to Germany for training.?"It's a very smooth train, and to feel it when you're actually driving, it has these cushions of air and it almost feels like you're not even touching the tracks," train driver Benoit Robitaille told Global News.
Additionally, a German engineer is always on board to assist with problem-solving and translating the controls.?"Unlike diesel trains, the controls are not as basic. Computers can inform you of any issues, according to Robitaille. It's still all in German, and I don't speak German well."
The Train de Charlevoix general manager Nancy Belley hopes to see the technology employed long-term once the pilot experiment concludes on September 30.
It's unquestionably a step in the right direction for what we hope to show off in these breathtaking Charlevoix surroundings, she said. Although the Coradia iLint can travel at a top speed of 140 km/h, local safety laws only permit it to do so up to 60 km/h.?
As a result, taking the train between the two cities requires more time than using a car would. However, Belley claims that most people travel to the Train de Charlevoix because of the scenic vistas of the St. Lawrence River and mountains.?
The hydrogen-powered train can accommodate 120 passengers at once, and this season, it has had an average occupancy rate of 60%.?Todd Lukaszewski, from New Hampshire, said, "It's a very enjoyable train, it's extremely quiet, very comfortable, and there is no smell of diesel whatsoever."
However, not all visitors were as impressed.?Swiss visitor Johanis Scherrer stated, "The train has been designed for inner-city commutes, not inter-city commutes. This is hardly a comfortable tourist train. This is comfort on a commuter train."
According to Belley, the Train de Charlevoix is typically more well-liked by older adults, but the introduction of the hydrogen-powered train has drawn in a younger crowd.?"They came to discover Charlevoix while keeping in mind they're discovering a region without emitting glasshouse gas emissions," she said.
The train manufacturer, Alstom, wants to use the pilot project as evidence that hydrogen-powered vehicles represent the future of transportation in North America.?The plan is to eventually replace diesel-powered trains with hydrogen-powered ones in regions where it would be difficult to install electrified rails.?The CAQ government has frequently praised Green hydrogen as a component of its shift to a greener economy.
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