What are the main barriers and drivers for adopting hydrogen and battery-powered rolling stock?

1 Hydrogen trains

Hydrogen trains use fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, which powers the traction motors and other onboard systems. They can run on non-electrified lines, and emit only water and heat as by-products. Some of the advantages of hydrogen trains are their high energy density, long range, fast refuelling, and potential for using renewable hydrogen sources. However, they also face some drawbacks, such as the high cost and complexity of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, the safety and reliability issues of fuel cells, and the lack of a mature hydrogen infrastructure and market.

2 Battery trains

Battery trains use rechargeable batteries to store and deliver electricity, which can be sourced from overhead wires, third rails, or charging stations. They can operate on both electrified and non-electrified lines, and reduce noise and emissions compared to diesel trains. Some of the benefits of battery trains are their flexibility, efficiency, and compatibility with existing electric infrastructure and rolling stock. However, they also have some limitations, such as the low energy density, short range, long charging time, and high weight and cost of batteries, as well as the environmental impacts of battery production and disposal.

3 Diesel trains

Diesel trains use internal combustion engines to generate electricity, which drives the traction motors and other onboard systems. They can run on any line, and have a high power output, long range, and low capital cost. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as their high fuel consumption, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, noise and vibration, and maintenance requirements. Diesel trains are the most common type of rolling stock in many countries, but they are also the most polluting and inefficient.

4 Electric trains

Electric trains use electricity from overhead wires or third rails to power the traction motors and other onboard systems. They have a high efficiency, performance, and reliability, and low operating costs, emissions, and noise. However, they also have some challenges, such as the high capital cost and complexity of electrification infrastructure, the dependence on grid stability and availability, and the potential for electrical interference and arcing. Electric trains are the most widely used type of rolling stock in many countries, but they also require a large upfront investment and a clean electricity mix.

5 Drivers for adoption

The main drivers for adopting hydrogen and battery-powered rolling stock are the environmental, social, and economic benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in the rail sector. These benefits include mitigating climate change impacts, enhancing public health and well-being, complying with regulatory standards and targets, attracting passengers and customers, and saving operational costs and resources. Moreover, the technological innovation and development of these low-carbon rail transport strategies can create new opportunities for industrial growth, job creation, and regional cooperation.

6 Barriers for adoption

The main barriers for adopting hydrogen and battery-powered rolling stock are the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges that hinder their feasibility, competitiveness, and scalability. These challenges include the low maturity and availability of hydrogen and battery technologies and infrastructure, the high capital and lifecycle costs and risks of these options, the lack of a clear and stable policy framework and incentives, the uncertainty and variability of demand and supply, and the resistance and inertia of existing stakeholders and systems. Furthermore, the trade-offs and synergies between these low-carbon rail transport strategies and conventional diesel and electric trains need to be carefully assessed and balanced.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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