First-Ever Hydrogen Train Launches Today

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30 September 2020

The first-ever hydrogen-powered train is running today on the UK mainline, as part of the government’s green recovery plans.

Unlike diesel trains, hydrogen-powered trains do not emit harmful gases, instead using hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water and heat. 

The technology behind the trains will also be available by 2023 to retrofit current in-service trains to hydrogen, helping decarbonise the rail network and make rail journeys greener and more efficient.

Today’s trials of the train, known as HydroFLEX, which have been supported with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport (DfT), follow almost 2 years’ development work and more than £1 million of investment by both Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham.

Building Back Better

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps commented:

“As we continue on our road to a green recovery, we know that to really harness the power of transport to improve our country – and to set a global gold standard – we must truly embed change.

“That’s why I’m delighted that, through our plans to build back better, we’re embracing the power of hydrogen and the more sustainable, greener forms of transport it will bring.”

Trials of the HydroFLEX train will begin at Long Marston, Warwickshire, and run on the North Cotswold line from Oxford to Hereford.

Picture: a photograph of a train speeding through a station

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 30 September 2020

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