The Spanish government has approved the development of the world’s inaugural hydrogen-electric high-speed train, capable of speeds over 155 mph.
Hydrogen Insight reports that Spain, boasting nearly 2,000 miles of high-speed rail, is second only to China in this regard.
While much of Spain’s high-speed rail relies on overhead electrical lines, certain stretches lack this infrastructure, necessitating diesel generators that emit harmful pollutants. The new project aims to replace these generators with hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.
The initiative involves retrofitting the Talgo 250 train, replacing one of its diesel generator cars with hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.
Equipped with an automatic track-gauge change, the train will operate on both high-speed and conventional tracks.
While specific details on the train’s hydrogen power utilization are yet to be revealed, similar experimental ventures, like those pursued by Irish Rail, demonstrate the potential for bridging the gap to cleaner energy sources.
Funding from the Spanish government will support the development of two hydrogen refueling stations. Hydrogen, being cleaner than traditional energy sources, emits mainly water vapor when burned.
This groundbreaking project aligns with Spain’s broader efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, with significant investment from the government aimed at fostering sustainable transportation solutions. However, there is no set timeline for the operational launch of the hydrogen-electric high-speed train.
