UK: Leasing company Eversholt Rail is to work with H2 Green to determine what infrastructure would be required to support the wide-scale deployment of trains fuelled by ‘green hydrogen’, produced by electrolysis using renewable energy.
Getech subsidiary H2 Green is aiming to develop a network of hydrogen production hubs across the UK, and said rail offers potential high-volume requirements which could provide a ‘cornerstone’ for sites also capable of supplying road vehicles.
Its co-operation with Eversholt will focus on providing low-cost and reliable supplies for routes where electrification is not considered technically or economically viable. These could include the Far North and West Highland lines in Scotland.
‘For rail companies operating in remote locations, there is a compelling economic and business rationale to be both early adopters and large volume customers of green hydrogen’, said Getech CEO Jonathan Copus on July 6.
Eversholt is working on the Breeze fuel cell train project with Alstom, but believes the successful introduction of hydrogen trains would require a whole-system approach.
‘Train service sponsors and operators must be confident that the arrangements for hydrogen fuel provision are robust, cost-effective and sustainable’, explained Eversholt’s Head of External Relations Tim Burleigh. ‘Our work with H2 Green will ensure our readiness for fleet deployments in the areas of the rail network where hydrogen trains are best suited to operate, whilst also creating wider transport decarbonisation opportunities.’
