Silent, water-emitting hydrogen-fueled trains could represent the future of railways. Dubbed as ‘Breeze’, these Eco friendly locomotives could be in use on commuter lines across the UK by 2021.
Transportation giant Alstom and Eversholt Rail have unveiled the designs for a new hydrogen fuel cell train. Alstom has done the deal with Eversholt Rail to convert more than 100 diesel trains to be fueled by zero-emission hydrogen. As a part of the process, they will convert four-carriage trains into three carriages. The trains are expected to hit top speeds of 87 mph (140 km/h).
Hydrogen trains will emit water
Hydrogen fuel cells involve mixing of hydrogen and oxygen produced from the air to generate electricity. The hydrogen is burned and it emits steam and water in this process and excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries.
Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s UK managing director, said, “There is great opportunity to get better value for taxpayers by converting an existing fleet… It will reach the same top speed as a diesel and in terms of acceleration a train like this will perform much more effectively. “
“But the main benefit is to the environment in terms of emissions, noise and the passenger experience.”
