Germany’s eco-friendly passenger trains run on hydrogen

Germany launched the world's first fleet of passenger trains running hydrogen. Previously, 15 diesel trains ran on non-electrified tracks in Lower Saxony.

The Associated Press reports.

What is the problem? Today, diesel trains run on railway lines that are not electrified. The movement of such trains causes emissions of harmful substances that pollute the atmosphere. Also, due to such a type of fuel as diesel, the train is quite "noisy" and requires higher operating costs.

What is the solution? Recently, Germany launched the world's first fleet of passenger trains running on hydrogen. They replaced diesel trains that used to run on non-electrified tracks. Fourteen trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate the engines' electricity. The German government has supported the expansion of hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels.

How does it work? The hydrogen-powered trains were manufactured by the French company Alstom. They say the Coradia iLint trains have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and a top speed of 140 km/h. By using hydrogen from renewable energy, the trains will save 1.6 million liters of diesel fuel per year.

Does it work? Hydrogen is produced as a by-product of chemical processes, but German specialty gas company Linde plans to make it locally using only renewable energy within three years. The governor of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil, said the €93 million project was a "great example" of Lower Saxony's efforts to make its economy greener.