Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Based Technology for Diesel-Run Trains

The Indian Railways Organisation of Alternative Fuels (IROAF) recently invited bids for Hydrogen Fuel Cell based Train on Indian Railways Network, which will be used to determine whether diesel-run trains can be operated by using hydrogen instead.

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The project entails retrofitting Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) in 89 km Sonipat-Jind section of Northern Railway.

The retrofitting of diesel-powered DEMU and converting it into hydrogen fuel-powered train set will not only save the cost to the tune of ₹2.3 crore annually by converting from diesel to hydrogen, but also save the carbon footprint (NO2) of 11.12 kilo tons per annum and particulate matter of 0.72 kilo tonnes per annum.

Presently, very few countries are using this method. The trial of one rake is being done in Germany and the trial of the other in Poland.