The first Dutch train on hydrogen is coming soon. In the provinces of Groningen and Friesland, there will be a test ride in 2018. The provinces Groningen, Friesland, and the track management ProRail will keep a test with a train that uses hydrogen.
Hydrogen Trains In The Netherlands
The northern provinces in the Netherlands hope it will be a good and sustainable alternative for diesel trains, which are now used between Leeuwarden and Groningen. Most of the Netherlands' trains are electric, but in Friesland and Groningen, it is different. On the railway track between Leeuwarden and Groningen and the 'slow tracks' along Roodeschool, Stavoren, Delfzijl en Nieuweschans is no electricity. The construction of the wiring would cost hundreds of millions. The investment in hydrogen is much cheaper and will evenly earn itself back. Of course, diesel trains are polluting a lot and make a lot of noise. So the hydrogen train is a good alternative. By using hydrogen, only hydrogen gas is produced as waste.
Photo by Coradia iLint – the world's 1st hydrogen-powered train
Hydrogen Train Safety
The French train constructor Alstom already uses hydrogen power trains in the North of Germany. This Coradia iLint, which is the name of the first powered hydrogen train in the world, will also be used on the Dutch railway tracks. It is not exactly clear when the first train will start scheduled trips. First, the Coradia has to meet Dutch safety standards.
The hydrogen train is a great alternative for railway tracks lacking electricity, says Wouter Wiersma, from the engineering firm Arcadis. Commissioned by Friesland and Groningen, Arcadis researched the feasibility of the project. The judgment was positive. Trains on hydrogen are unusually, but if railway track wiring lacks, it's a great solution.
If Friesland and Groningen are serious about using hydrogen trains, they must start building hydrogen storage tanks. To store hydrogen at railway stations and trains is still an issue of concern. Hydrogen is very flammable. Therefore like hydrogen cars and busses, there are stringent safety standards.
Friesland and Groningen depend on the test from the public transport organization; Arriva. They own the concession for the railway track in the north, and they have to give temporary permission for the 'green' train. Arriva is in favor of the plan. With all stakeholders, we are looking at the possibilities. Arriva is happy with the provincial ambitions.
Source Dion Mebius
https://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/eerste-nederlandse-trein-op-waterstof-in-aantocht-friesland-en-groningen-houden-proefrit-in-2018~ba0b8f7b/
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