Should We Rely on Hydrogen-Powered Rail Locomotives?

The idea of using hydrogen-powered or battery electric rail locomotives has gained traction in recent years. This article explores the feasibility and practicality of hydrogen-powered locomotives as a solution for British rail transport, considering their aging designs and the need for new innovations.

Ageing Design vs. Innovation

Older designs like the British Class 08 rail locomotive, while still viable, may not be the best long-term solution. Instead, developing a completely new design might be more beneficial. A modern approach is necessary to meet the evolving needs of the rail transport industry.

Practical Alternatives

Other practical solutions available today include battery-charged off-catenary systems and diesel-electric locomotives that meet Tier 4 emission standards. These options rely on more readily available and established technologies. Transitioning to these solutions may be more cost-effective and practical, particularly given the challenges associated with hydrogen.

Challenges of Hydrogen-Powered Locomotives

Hydrogen has limitations that make it an unsuitable choice for rail transport. Primarily, the production of hydrogen from diesel engines is highly energy-intensive. This process is also not sustainable, as it relies on primary energy sources and involves significant transformation of energy, which is difficult to manage and contain.

In addition, hydrogen’s use in rail transport would require significant advancements in fuel cell technology, which is still in the developmental stage. This makes it a less reliable and more complex option compared to more established technologies.

The Case of the Severn Valley Railway Experiment

Recently, the Severn Valley Railway, in partnership with Birmingham University, has embarked on a project to build a hydrogen-powered locomotive. This experiment is worth monitoring, but it is unlikely that this approach will be widely adopted due to the limited number of rail engines that could be converted. Such a conversion would require substantial resources and may not offer a significant environmental benefit.

The Case Against Hydrogen

Hydrogen is often seen as a silver bullet for energy problems, but it is not a primary energy source. It is more accurately described as a poor energy carrier, often promoted by vested interests in the oil industry. Even if we were to convert a significant number of rail engines to hydrogen, the impact on air quality would be minimal given the small number of exhaust pipes involved.

A battery electric class 08 locomotive is a far more sensible solution. Not only is it simpler to implement and manage, but it also aligns better with established electrical infrastructure and supply chains. The high costs and lack of a green hydrogen supply chain make hydrogen-powered locomotives impractical and potentially nonsensical.

Conclusion

To ensure the sustainability and efficiency of British rail transport, it is advisable to focus on proven technologies like battery electric locomotives. Hydrogen-powered solutions, while intriguing, face numerous logistical and practical challenges that make them less desirable.