According to the Business Line’s report, Indian Railways has begun work towards developing “cost-efficient” hydrogen–fuel cell trains, with indigenous technology.
Key points
- Initial development shows the technology to be some 12 times costlier than regular diesel locomotives. However work is being carried out to develop prototypes that are “less costly” but equally efficient.
- A key component of the hydrogen propulsion system is the fuel cell. This device converts chemical energy into hydrogen to generate electricity, which serves as fuel to run the train.
- A hydrogen-fuelled-cell train is more environment-friendly with lower footprints and practically zero emissions, than traditional engines.
- Alstom’s Coradia iLint (Germany) was amongst the first to operate hydrails, transporting passengers in North America.
- This train emits no CO2 and exhausts only water and is special for its combination of different innovative elements.
