This summer, North America witnessed the launch of its first hydrogen-powered train, as it embarked on a journey across the Canadian countryside. The train, a product of French engineering, is part of a short-term demonstration that will run until the end of September, with the aim of promoting the adoption of hydrogen trains in Canada and the United States. Robert Stasko, the executive director of Ontario’s Hydrogen Business Council, believes that the most significant outcome of this project will be the increased awareness and acceptance of this technology among the public.
The hydrogen-powered train operates between Montmorency Falls in Quebec City and Base-Saint-Paul, providing travelers with a unique and environmentally-friendly way to explore the beautiful Canadian countryside. With a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph), the train has a capacity to carry up to 120 passengers in its two passenger cars. This innovative train, manufactured by Alstom, has a performance that is comparable to standard diesel-engine trains in terms of both acceleration and braking, while eliminating harmful emissions. Unlike many European countries that rely on trains powered by electric rails or overhead wires, hydrogen trains are particularly well-suited for expansive areas like the Canadian countryside, where long distances and relatively low commuter densities are common. This also holds true for much of the United States.
Interestingly, the same model of train, known as the Coradia iLint, has already been successfully deployed in eight European countries. Lower Saxony in Germany, for instance, witnessed the introduction of 14 of these trains on a specific route last year. Alstom has been testing hydrogen trains since 2018, and the company has secured additional contracts in Germany, Italy, and France. In fact, a total of 41 trainsets have been ordered by European clients, highlighting their growing popularity and potential to transform the transportation industry.
The Coradia iLint utilizes approximately 50 kilograms of hydrogen per day, a small amount when compared to the approximately 500 liters of diesel fuel that would be consumed by a standard engine over the same journey. As a byproduct of the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell, the train emits only water vapor, making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional diesel trains.
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However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind regarding this three-month demonstration. Firstly, the hydrogen required to refuel the train currently needs to be transported by a diesel-powered truck. Ideally, in the future, it would be more efficient to produce hydrogen on-site, eliminating the need for additional transportation. Moreover, questions arise about the emissions generated during the train’s voyage from Europe to Canada for this relatively short demonstration period. Nevertheless, after completing its summer residence in Canada, the train will continue its journey to other North American cities. The ultimate objective of this tour is to promote the widespread adoption of hydrogen trains across different regions in North America, which, if successful, could more than offset any carbon footprint resulting from the truck top-offs and transatlantic journey.
Overall, the introduction of North America’s first hydrogen-powered train represents a significant step towards a sustainable future for the transportation industry. Through this demonstration, people will become more familiar with this clean energy technology, encouraging its broader adoption. As hydrogen trains prove to be a viable and environmentally-friendly alternative, we can look forward to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing the efficiency of our transportation systems, and enjoying a cleaner and greener future.
