MIT Technology Review’s Post

MIT Technology Review just posted this interesting article about some of the challenges with decarbonizing rail transport. My colleague Will Kirby and I provided insights into some of those challenges as part of this piece. Let me know your thoughts. I believe that access to this version requires a subscription to the MIT Technology Review but a free copy is currently available on the Govtech web site (https://lnkd.in/eJ--D72f)

In the rail industry, hydrogen-powered trains are like a Rorschach test. To some, it represents the future of rail transportation. To others, it looks like a big, shiny distraction. In the quest to decarbonize the transportation sector—the largest source of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States—electric cars and trucks tend to dominate the conversation. But to reach the Biden administration’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, other forms of transportation, including passenger and freight trains, will need to decarbonize, too. The best way to do that is the subject of growing debate among regulators, industry, and activists. https://trib.al/kpl5JVB

Like a mirage speeding across the dusty desert outside Pueblo, Colorado, the first hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger train in the United States is getting warmed up on its test track. Made by the Swiss manufacturer Stadler and known as the FLIRT (for “Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train”), it will soon be shipped to Southern California, where it is slated to carry riders on San Bernardino County’s Arrow commuter rail service before the end of the year. In the insular world of railroading, this hydrogen-powered train is a Rorschach test. To some, it represents the future of rail transportation. To others, it looks like a big, shiny distraction. In the quest to decarbonize the transportation sector—the largest source of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States—rubber-tired electric vehicles tend to dominate the conversation. But to reach the Biden administration’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, other forms of transportation, including those on steel wheels, will need to find new energy sources too.

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Decarbonizing rail transportation is a political problem as much as a technological one.

The train (ZEMU) utilizes hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to move the train and power onboard electrical systems. Water vapor is the only emission generated from the train’s propulsion system, making it a clean transit alternative https://lnkd.in/eThPXBqE

🚆 California's Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (Zemu), the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in the U.S., is a game-changer for clean transportation. Hydrogen-powered trains like Zemu offer huge benefits: 🔋 Zero emissions on non-electrified lines without costly electrification ⏱️ 18+ hours of operation and quick refueling in under 20 minutes 🔇 Reduced noise and vibration for a smoother ride 🔧 Lower maintenance and downtime This marks a major step toward transforming rail transit in the U.S. 🌱 #HydrogenTrains #Hydrail https://hubs.la/Q02NRcjJ0

“‘Transformational’: how a California city launched America’s first #hydrogenpoweredpassengertrain ” “California's new Zero-Emissions Multiple Unit, known as Zemu, uses a hybrid #hydrogenfuelcell and #batterysystem / Photograph: Courtesy of Stadler Inc” “The new #zeroemissiontrain , known as Zemu, will run through an area that has long suffered from #poorairquality . Will it be the start of a #cleanenergyrail movement in the US?” Jules Feeney - Tue 3 Sep 2024 “The $20m Zero-Emission Multiple Unit, known as Zemu, uses a hybrid #hydrogenfuelcell and #battery system to propel the #train and run other onboard electrical systems. The only byproduct of the #fuelcell is water vapour, a welcome change in an area known as the Inland Empire that suffers from some of the worst #airquality rates in the country.” “The new technology will make Zemu the first #hydrogenpowered , #zeroemissions #passengertrain in North America to meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements when it goes into service early next year.” https://lnkd.in/gXcrsT-C? Source- original post Read all my posts #MariusPreston

✔️ Zero emissions, vibrations, and vastly reduced noise levels ✔️ Better working conditions and total cost of ownership ✔️ Immediate compliance with IMO policies Read on to see how electrification is making waves in the maritime industry, and how to bring lithium-ion power to your operations. 👉 https://lnkd.in/edmwd8Un #Xerotech #MarineElectrification #MarineIndustry #Batteries #BatteryInnovation #Electrification #BatteryTech #Batteryindustry #Configurability #Safety

Hydrogen trainsets are a much cheaper alternative to stringing electric lines above existing railroad lines.