Alstom Transport uses technology similar to that of hydrogen fuel cell automobiles. Railway Gazette reports that German rail authorities hope to develop Zero Emission Trains by purchasing fuel cell trainsets.
One reason for applying fuel cell technology to trains is Germany's strong interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The federal government "will provide financial assistance as part of its grant funding for sustainable transport projects," according to Railway Gazette.
"The only emissions from fuel cells are heat and water," one of the major benefits of hydrogen powered vehicles, according to "How Stuff Works."
"Alstom Transport hopes to have 40 fuel cell-powered regional trains in commercial service on regional lines in Germany by 2020," they write. Four railway authorities have signed letters of intent with Alstom
The powertrain will use hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and energy storage systems to replace a roof-mounted diesel powerpack, giving equivalent performance to an electric multiple-unit [EMU].
"Alstom claims the trains would be ‘completely emission free’, noting that even electric trains can have a carbon footprint based on the fuel used for power generation," according to Railway Gazette. However, hydrogen also has a carbon footprint based from how it is produced. See "Box 1: Hydrogen Production Pathways" in "Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles" the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.
[Hat tip to Eugene Wilson of Sierra Club Chapter Transportation Chairs Forum.]
FULL STORY: Fuel cells to power regional trainsets
Alternative Railroad Electrification
Rather than building costly overhead electrification infrastructure to convert a Chicago-area commuter rail line from polluting diesel power to emission-free electricity, the Metra Board of Directors chose a far less expensive and quicker route.
Train Buffs: Do You Know What a ZEMU Is?
In addition to commuter trains hauled by an electric or diesel-powered locomotive, there are EMUs and DMUs, and come 2021, for the first time in North America, there should be a ZEMU thanks in part to a $30 million California transportation grant.
The Hydrogen-Powered Train: Coming Soon to Germany
The Coradia iLint debuted at a trade show in August, but already buyers are ready to add the hydrogen-powered train to their rolling stock.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service