Advances in Hydrogen-Powered Trains: A Brief Report

Andile Nqodi (), Thapelo C. Mosetlhe and Adedayo A. Yusuff
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Andile Nqodi: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
Thapelo C. Mosetlhe: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
Adedayo A. Yusuff: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-11

Abstract: The majority of rail vehicles worldwide use diesel as a primary fuel source. Diesel engine carbon emissions harm the environment and human health. Although railway electrification can reduce emissions, it is not always the most economical option, especially on routes with low vehicle demand. As a result, interest in hydrogen-powered trains as a way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has steadily grown in recent years. In this paper, we discuss advancements made in hydrogen-powered freight and commuter trains, as well as the technology used in some aspects of hydrogen-powered vehicles. It was observed that hydrogen-powered trains are already in use in Europe and Asia, unlike most developing countries in Africa. Commuter trains have received most of the research and development (R&D) attention, but interest in hydrogen-powered freight trains has recently picked up momentum. Despite the availability and use of gray and blue hydrogen, green hydrogen is still the preferred fuel for decarbonizing the rail transport sector.

Keywords: hydrogen ( H 2 ); fuel cell (FC); energy storage system (ESS); carbon dioxide ( CO 2 ); oxygen ( O 2 ); greenhouse gases (GHG) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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