Scotland set to recieve its first Hydrogen-powered train this year

A group of Scottish engineers and researchers will deliver a production-ready and safety certified hydrogen-powered train by November 2021. 

Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the Hydrogen Accelerator have been appointed by Arcola Energy and a consortium of industry leaders to deliver Scotland’s first hydrogen-powered train. 

The consortium will be led by hydrogen fuel cell integration specialist Arcola Energy and will draw on the expertise of world-leading rail engineering experts. 

Arcola Energy will develop the technology platform for the train’s new powertrain from its planned new Scottish base. 

Project partner Arup will use the learnings from this project to develop a roadmap to roll out hydrogen trains to support the decarbonisation of Scotland’s network.

Dr Ben Todd, CEO of Arcola Energy said: ‘Hydrogen traction power offers a safe, reliable and zero-carbon alternative for Scotland’s rail network.

‘The hydrogen train project is an excellent opportunity for industry leaders in hydrogen, rail engineering and safety to collaborate with Scottish technology providers to develop a deployment-ready solution.

‘We are delighted to be working with Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the Hydrogen Accelerator, to support Scotland’s strategy to make passenger railways emission-free by 2035.’

Clare Lavelle, Scotland Energy Business Lead at Arup added: ‘With Scotland’s focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2035 and rail playing a leading role in this, hydrogen offers a safe, reliable and zero-carbon alternative to other forms of rail propulsion.

‘This project is not only a crucial step in helping us understand the practical challenges of using hydrogen traction power on our railways but an example of the type of investment Scotland needs to take advantage of the opportunity to build a secure, flexible, cost-effective and zero-carbon energy network.’

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