Shubham Sawarkar
North America has welcomed its first hydrogen-powered train, which recently commenced operations in Canada. This groundbreaking initiative is a short-term demonstration aimed at driving the adoption of this environmentally friendly technology in Canada and the United States. With the potential to revolutionize rail travel, the hydrogen-powered train has garnered attention for its clean energy credentials and impressive performance. As it embarks on its journey across the Canadian countryside, this innovative French passenger train promises to raise awareness and familiarity with hydrogen-powered transportation among the public.
The hydrogen-powered train, manufactured by the renowned French company Alstom, is currently operating on a loan basis in Canada. It shuttles passengers from the picturesque Montmorency Falls in Quebec City to Base-Saint-Paul, offering a scenic two-and-a-half-hour trip. Running on Wednesdays through Sundays until September 30th, this groundbreaking train has a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and can comfortably accommodate up to 120 passengers in its two passenger cars. With comparable acceleration and braking performance to standard diesel-engine trains, this hydrogen-powered marvel sets itself apart by eliminating harmful emissions.
While many European countries rely on trains powered by electric rails or overhead wires, the North American landscape presents unique challenges, making hydrogen trains an ideal solution. The vast distances and relatively low commuter density in the Canadian countryside, as well as large portions of the United States, make hydrogen trains a viable and sustainable alternative. By showcasing the viability and effectiveness of hydrogen-powered trains in this region, the demonstration hopes to encourage their widespread adoption, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and curbing carbon emissions.
The hydrogen-powered train making its mark in Canada is part of the Coradia iLint model, which has already established a successful track record in eight European countries. Since its debut in Lower Saxony, Germany, last year, as many as 14 of these trains have been operational. Alstom, the manufacturer, has been diligently testing and refining this technology since 2018 and has secured additional contracts in Germany, Italy, and France. The strong demand for these trains is evident, with European clients having already ordered 41 trainsets, signaling a promising future for hydrogen-powered transportation.
One of the key advantages of the Coradia iLint model lies in its exceptional efficiency and environmental friendliness. With a daily hydrogen consumption rate of approximately 50 kilograms, the train’s fuel needs are minimal compared to the 500 liters of diesel fuel a conventional engine would consume for the same journey. Furthermore, the hydrogen-powered train emits only water vapor as a byproduct of the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in its fuel cell, ensuring a carbon-neutral operation throughout its entire route.
While the three-month demonstration of the hydrogen-powered train showcases its potential, it does come with a few considerations. Currently, the train relies on a diesel-powered truck to transport hydrogen for refueling, highlighting the need for on-site hydrogen production to eliminate this dependency. Additionally, concerns regarding the emissions generated during the train’s journey from Europe to Canada for this brief demonstration must be acknowledged. However, these factors do not dampen the long-term aspirations of this project. Once the Canadian tour concludes, the train will venture to other North American cities, aiming to promote the adoption of hydrogen-powered trains across various regions. If successful, the environmental benefits resulting from widespread adoption will far outweigh any temporary carbon footprint associated with refueling logistics and transatlantic travel.
