Hydrogen trains will be introduced in as little as two years under ambitious plans to phase out dirty diesel engines. The Times has learnt that a deal has been struck to convert more than 100 trains into the first fleet powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The trains, which are almost silent and have zero emissions, will operate at speeds of up to 90mph and release steam only as a by-product. The new trains, which will be called “Breeze”, will be employed on commuter and suburban lines by early 2021. The Department for Transport is supporting the plan because it allows operators to scrap diesel trains without the need to install hugely expensive overhead power lines that are needed to operate electric carriages. It has set a target of eradicating diesel altogether from the network by 2040. Less than half of the B ritish rail network is electrified and about 2,500 commuter trains run on diesel power.
Times 7th Jan 2019 read more »