At the InnoTrans* trade fair in Berlin, Alstom provided an update on its solutions for decarbonising rail transport on catenary-free lines. These battery- or hydrogen-powered trains have covered more than 4 million km.
Alstom explains at the outset that it offers “an entire range of zero direct–carbon emission rail technologies: hydrogen and battery-electric train solutions, whether newbuild or retrofit.” The offer also includes the necessary infrastructure for sustainable power supply, such as partial electrification and charging stations for batteries. The company also emphasises its “knowledge regarding the complete hydrogen ecosystem.”
These solutions ‘are both credible and complementary alternatives to diesel’, but a number of factors need to be taken into account beforehand. There are functional requirements, but also operating costs and investment, not to mention infrastructure availability and vehicle purchase. For example, hydrogen trains are more suitable for the operational autonomy required to cover longer non-electrified lines. Topography and climatic conditions also need to be taken into account. However, hydrogen trains require local hydrogen production and distribution logistics that are accessible to train operators. Depending on the maturity of the H2 ecosystem in each country, costs may vary.
*InnoTrans is the world’s largest trade fair focused on the rail transport industry.
Retrofit and advice for stations
Fuel cell dimensioning and hydrogen storage, as well as battery size, battery type, quick charging and power conversion, need to consider the energy demands from the operating systems, cooling systems and auxiliaries. So it is a tailored job every time. As of today, 41 trains operate in Germany and the Coradia iLint has been successfully used in nine other countries, including Canada and Saudi Arabia.
Alstom also offers retrofit solutions as part of its Flexcare Modernise portfolio. Its experience enables a seamless transition from diesel to hydrogen refuelling worldwide.
Finally, the Group can offer its expertise in hydrogen refuelling dimensioning. It can provide useful advice to customers regarding on-board storage and station compression capacity. In addition, Alstom is working with the main players in the sector on refuelling protocols and communication technologies between the vehicle and the refuelling station, in order to create quality solutions and help define international standards.
Do you want to learn more about Alstom and its hydrogen and battery powered trains? Then our latest articles about the group should interest you. You can access all our articles written about Alstom here.
Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King
