World's First Fleet Of Hydrogen-Powered Trains Is Now In Operation
To replace the old fleet of diesel trains, Germany spent about $92 million on a fleet of trains powered by hydrogen fuel
The world's first fleet of hydrogen trains is here, and it's in Germany. To replace the old fleet of diesel trains, Germany spent about $92 million on a fleet of trains powered by hydrogen fuel.
The trains were launched in the German region of Lower Saxony, Associated Press reported. So far, 14 trains have been launched in the region. This might as well be the world's first fleet of hydrogen trains!
AP
"The 14 trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity that powers the engines. The German government has backed expanding the use of hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels," AP reported.
The routes will be operated by regional rail company LNVG and will serve the towns of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde, and Buxtehude.
Why hydrogen?
According to train manufacturer Alstom, each train will have a range of 999 kilometres (621 miles) with speeds touching 140 kilometres per hour (87mph).
Also read: Massive Wind-Powered Plant Producing Hydrogen To Be Set Up In Canada for Germany
Alstom also claims that by favouring hydrogen instead of diesel, the new trains will save about 15,974,43 litres of fuel each year. In the long run, it will save about 417 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
AFP
The hydrogen used to power these future-ready trains will essentially be produced as a byproduct in chemical processes. While the first hydrogen trains started running in 2018, this marks the first time an entire fleet of locomotives is powered by hydrogen fuel.
Uncredited
Also read: Explained: What Is Green Hydrogen And Why It's Considered As The ¡®Fuel Of The Future¡¯
What do you think about this fascinating and future-ready mode of transport? Let us know in the comments. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
References
Fleet of hydrogen passenger trains begins service in Germany. (2022, August 24). AP NEWS.
Bellwood, O. (2022, August 25). Germany Now Has the World¡¯s First Fleet of Hydrogen Trains. Jalopnik.
I live for all-things-technology - gadgets, novel climate solutions, and startups that are changing the game. In my leisurely hours, you can find me binge watching science fiction films, writing poetry, or dancing to pop anthems.
Read More
