Germany introduces world's first hydrogen train: Eco-friendly technology
New Delhi : Germany creates history by rolling out the world's first hydrogen-powered train which supports eco-friendly technology. The train challenges the polluting diesel trains which are considered costlier in the current economic condition.
Built by French TGV-maker Alstom, the two bright blue Coradia iLint trains began running a 100-kilometre (62-mile) route between the towns and cities of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany, an area covered by diesel trains.
The manufacturer said that the technology plans to deliver another 14 of the zero-emissions trains to Lower Saxony state by 2021, with other German states also expressing an interest.
"The world's first hydrogen train is entering into commercial service and is ready for serial production," Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge said at an unveiling ceremony in Bremervoerde, the station where the trains will be refuelled with hydrogen.
About Hydrogen trains
Hydrogen trains are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, a process that leaves steam and water as the only emissions. Excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries on board the train.
Also, the trains can run for around 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of hydrogen, similar to the range of diesel trains.
Alstom believe that the train technology is eco-friendly and smart alternative to diesel on non-electrified railway lines. It is an attractive mode of transport in many German cities scrambling to combat air pollution.
"Sure, buying a hydrogen train is somewhat more expensive than a diesel train, but it is cheaper to run," said, Stefan Schrank, the project's manager at Alstom.
Besides, countries including Britain, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Italy and Canada are also looking for hydrogen trains. It has been reported that France government has already said it wants the first hydrogen train to be on the rails by 2022.
