Cummins Inc.
Hydrogen and Batteries – Two Technologies to Move the Railway Industry
- This article first appeared in the Railway-News magazine Issue 3 2022.
Decarbonisation presents the rail industry with some challenges, but it starts from a good place. The industry is recognised as one of the most efficient in the global transportation sector. Even so, adding newer, cleaner technologies will require investment, imagination and change. And while there’s unlikely to be a one-size-fits-all technology solution, several technologies are moving forward at pace right now offering the prospect of integrated and hybrid solutions, and paths forward for the industry.
The challenges in rail, particularly freight, are specific. When locomotives travel long distances, considerable energy has to be carried on-board. When that energy needs to be replenished, a suitable infrastructure has to be in place. The need to maintain precise schedules means that the time needed to replenish energy has to be factored in. And there are other considerations too, such as noise impact on the environment.
All of this matters as rail explores alternative, more sustainable fuel sources, and everyone in the rail space is on the same journey to evaluate their viability. So, let’s look at the two main contenders – hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.
