Hydrogen train: The first hydrogen person in the world left Prague, visit 24 places
The Coradia iLint kit, which is the first hydrogen train for passenger transport in the world, on Tuesday it set out from Prague for a presentation journey on the Czech Railways. In the following days you will visit 24 places in the Czech Republic. The train manufacturer Alstom wants to introduce the train especially to carriers and authorities as an alternative for railway operation in the future.
According to Bělčík, the standard operation of hydrogen trains depends mainly on the development of legislation in the Czech Republic and especially in the EU. “If we do hydrogen production and distribution around the bureaucracy within the European Union, we will kill this alternative fuel. But if we take it soberly and look at it as an emission-free drive, then it really has a future.“Said Bělčík.
Michal Kraus, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Czech Railways, also drew attention to the need for changes in legislation. The possible future use of hydrogen trains will also depend on the carriers’ dealings with the authorities. The head of the state carrier Michal Krapinec has previously pointed out that almost two thirds of railway lines in the Czech Republic are not electrified. It would be possible to use hydrogen trains on them, which is what Krapinec wants look for a suitable alternative to current diesel trains. According to the Minister of Transport Martin Kupka (ODS), it can be a hydrogen alternative to replace conventional diesel locomotives on lines where electrification does not pay off.
Another condition is the preparation of the infrastructure. The head of the Railway Administration, Jiří Svoboda, emphasized that he was necessary cooperation between transport customers, infrastructure managers and carriers. “It’s impossible without it,” he said. The infrastructure would include, for example, filling stations.
Production costs
According to Kurucz, the cost of producing hydrogen-powered trains could fluctuate in similar proportions as with electric trains. He pointed out that the price will depend on the number of trains ordered. According to him, the prices of hydrogen alone are now almost comparable to diesel, with greater use of hydrogen they could continue to fall in the future.
Alstom’s hydrogen trains have been running in several European countries since 2018. According to the company, it is an alternative for 46 percent of the main lines in the EU that are not electrified. The Coradia iLint is the world’s passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that produces electricity for traction. According to Alstom, the only emissions that the train generates are steam and condensed water. The train will be in the Czech Republic until May 25.
Introduction of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train Coradia iLint manufactured by Alstom, May 17, 2022, Central Station, Prague.
Author: ČTK / Šulová Kateřina