A hydrogen-powered train travels through the countryside. The train features a blue and white pattern with the "FLIRT H2" logo. Image source: Official website of the California Department of Transportation.
On a test track outside Pueblo, Colorado, the United States' first hydrogen-powered passenger train is getting ready for action. Manufactured by Swiss company Stadler, this "Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train" (FLIRT) will soon be heading to Southern California, with plans to join the commuter train service in San Bernardino County by the end of the year. To some, it represents the future of rail transportation in the U.S., while to others, it seems like a flashy yet impractical gimmick.
Hydrogen Fueling Decarbonization in Transportation
According to MIT Technology Review, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., and electrifying vehicles is a key way to decarbonize the transportation sector. However, to meet the Biden administration's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, various modes of transportation, including rail, are exploring new avenues. Many believe that hydrogen-powered trains could be a way to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants in the transportation sector.
California has been at the forefront of hydrogen innovation, especially in the past year, investing $207 million to order 10 hydrogen-powered FLIRT trains.
These trains do not directly use hydrogen as the propelling force but instead convert hydrogen from tanks into electricity through fuel cells, which then powers the traction batteries. The batteries drive the system and store braking energy.
The 108-seat FLIRT train can reach speeds of up to 127 kilometers per hour and can operate even in high temperatures of 48°C.
The California Department of Transportation found that hydrogen-powered trains have better range and shorter refueling times compared to regular electric trains. Additionally, they are more cost-effective than electric trains that require overhead cables. Installing overhead cables on the state's three main intercity lines is estimated to cost $6.8 billion.
While hydrogen may not be the solution for all rail systems in the U.S., experts see significant potential in hydrogen-powered trains. This technology could have a significant impact on rail travel in the U.S.
Mixed Reviews for Hydrogen-Powered Trains
California recently passed regulations requiring all new passenger locomotives operating in the state to be zero-emission by 2030 and all new freight locomotives to be zero-emission by 2035.
However, controversies surround the law. Technical discussions revolve around whether hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, or overhead cables can address different railway scenarios. Additionally, the extent to which decarbonization can or should bring broader changes to U.S. rail transportation is a topic of ongoing debate.
Opinions on the advantages of hydrogen-powered trains vary. After a pilot project in 2022, the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany concluded that the operational costs of this technology would be 80% higher in the long run compared to other zero-emission alternatives.
The California Department of Transportation believes that hydrogen-powered trains share many advantages with overhead cable-driven trains since they also use electric motors. Both technologies are quieter, cleaner, and faster than diesel trains.
However, the Association of American Railroads points out that while hydrogen power is more sustainable, the technology is not yet mature enough to meet industry needs. An organization called "Californians for Energy-Efficient Railroads" also deems hydrogen power technology immature, citing low efficiency in hydrogen synthesis, transport, and usage. Currently, the energy required for hydrogen trains to run one kilometer is approximately three times that of overhead cable-powered trains. Additionally, the environmental benefits of hydrogen are still largely theoretical. According to the International Energy Agency, around 81% of global hydrogen production in 2021 came from fossil fuel sources.
California Bets on Hydrogen-Powered Trains
So far, California is the only state in the U.S. to purchase hydrogen-powered trains. The California Department of Transportation believes that hydrogen is the most feasible way to achieve the state's ambitious climate goals for at least the next few decades. However, challenges such as funding, public opinion, and communication with freight rail companies are not yet fully addressed.
As technology advances, new innovations may blur the boundaries between different types of green railway technologies. For example, the California train company has ordered a battery-equipped electric train that can charge while traveling from San Francisco to San Jose and then continue using the stored battery power.
New hydrogen technologies could also revolutionize passenger rail. The FLIRT train speeding through the Colorado desert is version 1.0. In the future, using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier could significantly extend the range of hydrogen trains.
