<
https://www.hydrogeninsight.com/transport/no-more-hydrogen-trains-rail-company-that-launched-worlds-first-h2-line-last-year-opts-for-all-electric-future/2-1-1495801>
"The state-owned public transport company responsible for introducing the
world’s first hydrogen-only railway line last year has effectively ruled out
using any more H2 trains, saying that battery-electric models “are cheaper to
operate”.
LNVG, which is owned by the government of Lower Saxony, had invested more than
€93m ($85m) in 14 hydrogen fuel-cell trains, which began operating in August
2022.
The federal government also contributed a further €8.4m — €4.3m of which was
spent on the world’s first H2 train refuelling station, built by Linde in the
town of Bremervörde.
Two Alstom Coradia iLint hydrogen trains had been tested on the line — between
Cuxhaven and Buxtehude — since 2018, when they became the first ever H2 trains
put into commercial operation.
However, the Lower Saxony government has now announced that it will replace the
remainder of its diesel trains by 2037, not with any hydrogen models, but with
102 battery-electric “multiple units” — a tender for which will be held this
year — and a further 27 non-battery electric trains on one particular route
that will be completely electrified (Osnabrück – Oldenburg).
The state’s Ministry for Economic Affairs, Transport, Building and Digitisation
explains that battery trains can be powered by overhead electricity lines (ie,
catenary systems), or be charged by what it calls “charging islands” — and can
operate without constant contact with the overhead cables.
“The basis for the purchase of the new battery-powered is market research into
alternative drives, which LNVG carried out,” the ministry said in a statement.
“In particular, trains with hydrogen drives and batteries were considered.
Result: battery trains are cheaper to operate.”"
Via Christoph S, who wrote "Yeah told you so."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
