Hydrogen on track for passenger and freight rail
Europe leads way with passenger trains while North America focuses on locomotives for freight
It may be early days in the development of hydrogen-powered trains and locomotives but their future is bright as net-zero emission commitments by governments around the world pile on the pressure to decarbonise passenger and freight rail systems. Diesel continues to dominate global rail transport, accounting for nearly 60pc in 2019, with electricity accounting for the rest. Hydrogen is aimed at rail routes which are difficult to electrify and out of range for batteries. “There are two ways to decarbonise hard to electrify train routes, battery power for distances up to around 120km, although that can be impacted by factors such as topography and number of stops, and hydrogen for routes longe
Also in this section
31 March 2025
Saudi Aramco’s blue hydrogen progress is a clear reminder that energy companies pivoting in search of greater returns may not be throwing the H₂ baby out with the bathwater
27 March 2025
Awards celebrate global innovation, leadership and achievement across the energy sector’s people, projects, technologies and companies.
27 March 2025
Region has all the ingredients to become a green hydrogen powerhouse but faces plenty of barriers and stiff competition
21 March 2025
European Hydrogen Bank auction is four times oversubscribed, while industry remains on pause in US amid IRA subsidy uncertainty
