With the successful testing of North America’s first hydrogen-powered train, Quebec, Canada has made history in green transportation. This innovative program represents a big step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly rail travel.
The innovative hydrogen-powered train debuted on the province’s rail network thanks to a collaboration between the Quebec transportation authority and leading technology companies. Hydrogen fuel cells power this state-of-the-art locomotive, which runs by emitting only water vapor and no hazardous emissions. The trial was designed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the train for future use.
Environmentalists and transportation fans have expressed interest in the train’s state-of-the-art technology. This hydrogen-powered train offers a viable alternative to fight climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of the transport industry, in contrast to conventional diesel-powered trains, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydrogen-powered train tested on Quebec rails for the first time in North America
As part of an $8 million pilot experiment this summer, Alstom’s Coradia iLint train travels along the rails connecting Quebec City with Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec.
The train runs on green hydrogen manufactured by Harnois Énergies and is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which emits only water vapour. Alstom claims the train is the first of its kind in North America. It has been in commercial operation in Germany since 2018, but today is its North American premiere.
Last winter, the Train de Charlevoix engineers were sent to Germany for training. “It’s a very smooth train, and to feel it when you’re driving, it has these air cushions and it almost feels like you’re not even touching the tracks,” train conductor Benoit Robitaille told Global News.
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Also, there is always a German engineer on board to help with troubleshooting and translation of controls. “Unlike diesel trains, the controls are not so basic. The computers can tell you about any problems, according to Robitaille. It’s still all in German, and I don’t speak German well.”
Train de Charlevoix managing director Nancy Belley hopes to see the technology employed in the long term once the pilot experiment concludes on September 30.
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It is certainly a step in the right direction of what we hope to show in these stunning surroundings of Charlevoix, he said. Although Coradia iLint can travel at a maximum speed of 140 km/h, local safety laws only allow it up to 60 km/h.
As a result, taking the train between the two cities requires more time than using a car. However, Belley says most people travel to the Train de Charlevoix because of the panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and mountains.
The hydrogen train has a capacity for 120 passengers at a time and this season has had an average occupancy of 60%. Todd Lukaszewski of New Hampshire said, “It’s a very nice train, it’s extremely quiet, very comfortable, and it doesn’t smell like diesel at all.”
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However, not all visitors were so impressed. Swiss visitor Johanis Scherrer stated: “The train has been designed for travel within the city, not for travel between cities. This is not a comfortable tourist train. This is comfort on a commuter train.”
According to Belley, the Train de Charlevoix is usually more appreciated by older adults, but the introduction of the hydrogen-powered train has attracted a younger crowd. “They came to discover Charlevoix keeping in mind that they are discovering a region that does not emit greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
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Trainmaker Alstom wants to use the pilot project as proof that hydrogen-powered vehicles represent the future of transportation in North America. The plan is to eventually replace diesel-powered trains with hydrogen-powered ones in regions where it would be difficult to install electrified rails. The CAQ government has frequently praised green hydrogen as a component of its shift towards a greener economy.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn