A hydrogen-powered train
that should help rail achieve zero carbon emissions has embarked on its maiden voyage
on the UK mainline rail network today.
The train, known as
HydroFLEX, carried out a 25-mile round trip in Warwickshire following two
years’ development work and more than £1million of investment by both the
University of Birmingham and train leasing company Porterbrook.
HydroFLEX combines
hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water and heat and is intended as a replacement for existing diesel and electric power.
The next stages of the
project will see the University of Birmingham develop a hydrogen and battery
powered module that can be fitted underneath the train, which will allow for
more space for passengers in the train’s carriage. The technology will be
available from 2023 to be retro-fitted to existing rolling stock, said the
backers.
Grant Shapps, the
UK’s secretary of state for transport, said: “As we continue on our road to a
green recovery, we know that to really harness the power of transport to
improve our country – and to set a global gold standard – we must truly embed
change.
“That’s why I’m
delighted that through our plans to build back better we are embracing the
power of hydrogen and the more sustainable, greener forms of transport it will
bring.”
Mary Grant, CEO
of Porterbrook, said: “Porterbrook is committed to innovation and
the delivery of a carbon neutral and sustainable railway. Today’s mainline
testing of HydroFLEX achieves another important milestone on this journey. I’m
also delighted to be able to announce our intention to start producing
HydroFLEX trains, creating the world’s first electric and hydrogen powered
bi-mode rolling stock, as well as generating significant opportunities for the
UK supply chain.”