Why Isn't Hydrogen Used as Fuel for Trains? Debunking Myths and Addressing Realities

Hydrogen, often touted as a clean and sustainable energy source, has gained attention as a potential fuel for trains. Yet, despite its appealing properties, hydrogen has not become a primary fuel for rail transportation. This article delves into the reasons why hydrogen is not widely used as fuel for trains, addressing common concerns and presenting the current progress in hydrogen technology.

Addressing Common Concerns: Safety and Availability

One of the primary concerns surrounding hydrogen as a fuel source is its cost and safety. Hydrogen is indeed more expensive than traditional fossil fuels, and the cost of producing and transporting it remains a significant challenge. In addition, hydrogen is highly flammable and explosive, which can raise safety concerns. However, these issues are gradually being resolved through advancements in technology and infrastructure.

One key issue is the availability of hydrogen refueling stations. Currently, there is a limited number of hydrogen refueling stations, making it difficult to transition to hydrogen-powered trains. According to reports from automotive magazines, the lack of widespread refueling infrastructure is often cited as a barrier to hydrogen adoption. These reports highlight that gas companies are pushing hydrogen due to their existing transportation and storage networks. However, as we will see, the current iterations of hydrogen fuel-cell electric trains do not rely on pure hydrogen but rather on a chemical reaction for power.

Current State of Hydrogen in Transportation

Recent advancements in hydrogen technology have shown promise, particularly in the realm of electric trains. A hydrogen fuel-cell electric train is much more economical than purely hydrogen-powered trains. For instance, a report by the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association emphasizes that hydrogen vehicles have a significantly better carbon footprint compared to electric vehicles, with only 2.7 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer versus 20.9 grams for electric vehicles.

The cost of hydrogen fuel is currently around $2.00 per liter or $7.52 per gallon. However, new processes like fire-flooding of oil sands, which sequesters carbon dioxide underground, are significantly lowering the cost. Canadian Proton Technologies company, using this method, has begun a commercial process where 5 liters of hydrogen are used for energy, bringing the price down to $0.10 to $0.50 per liter or 0.37 to 1.88 per gallon. This marks a substantial improvement in the economic viability of hydrogen as a fuel source.

Advancements in Hydrogen Extraction

A recent breakthrough in hydrogen extraction has brought us closer to making hydrogen fuel more accessible. A group of Canadian engineers has developed a cheap method of extracting hydrogen from oil sands. This process involves injecting oxygen into abandoned oil fields, which raises the temperature and liberates hydrogen. This hydrogen can then be separated from other gases via specialist filters. The CEO of PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS INC, Grant Strem, noted that the economics of this process are favorable.

The technology was developed by Ian Gates and Jacky Wang under an agreement between the University of Calgary and PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS INC, which now holds the patent. Professor Brian Horsfield from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam stated that the direct presence of hydrogen in oil fields simplifies the extraction process. This method, while not directly applicable to trains, demonstrates the growing potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

Conclusion

The transition to hydrogen as a fuel for trains is not yet at hand, but the advancements made in technology and infrastructure are paving the way. Safety concerns are being addressed, and the availability of hydrogen refueling stations is improving. With ongoing research and development, hydrogen could become a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels in the realm of train transportation.