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Hydrogen Fuelling for Trains

The domestic transport sector is the largest emitting sector in the UK, accounting for 29.1% of all greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.* Converting diesel trains to zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trains can reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. 

Air Products is the leading supplier of hydrogen globally with decades of experience designing and implementing hydrogen fuelling systems, including for decarbonised rail transport. We’re here to support your decarbonisation needs.
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Why do we need hydrogen-powered trains?

In applications such as rail transport, which require movement of heavy freight, while requiring the ability for long-range travel and quick refuelling times, hydrogen becomes a more efficient option than battery electric power.

How can hydrogen power a train?

Hydrogen can power a train using a fuel cell. In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen atoms are separated into two primary components: one proton and one electron. The positively charged hydrogen protons pass through the fuel cell where they meet oxygen from the air on the other side. The electrons, however, head a different direction, creating an electric current which can power a fuel cell electric motor. The electrons then meet back up with the hydrogen ions and oxygen molecules from the air at the end of the process, creating water as the only emission. 

How does fuelling a hydrogen train work and is it safe?

Fuelling a hydrogen train is similar to fuelling a diesel-powered equivalent and takes about the same time.

Decarbonised Rail Transport

Air Products’ hydrogen is in use today, powering some of the first hydrogen-powered trains into a future of decarbonised rail transport.

Reasons to Convert to Hydrogen Train Fuelling with Air Products

Air Products is the world’s leading supplier of hydrogen with over 65 years of experience in hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and dispensing. We’ve implemented over 250 fuelling stations in 20 countries, and our technology and hydrogen is responsible for over 1.5 million hydrogen fuelling activities annually.

Improved Air Quality

Hydrogen fuel cell trains emit only water and no harmful greenhouse gases or particulate matter.

Faster Refuelling

Hydrogen trains can be refuelled about as quickly as a conventional diesel locomotive.

 

Turnkey Hydrogen Fuel Stations

Air Products develops and delivers everything you need to get started.

Unrivaled Hydrogen Experience

Air Products has >65 years of experience safely producing and handling hydrogen.

Learn how you can decarbonise your rail operation.

Talk to one of our hydrogen fuelling experts today.

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*2023 UK greenhouse gas emissions, provisional figures