The hydrogen train faces the challenge of economic feasibility

With the first -time hydrogen train on the Indian rail network, experts say it is financially insecure and technical challenge to operate hydrogen fuel cell trains.

As a pilot, the hydrogen train is appointed to appear for the first time in the Jind-Sonipat section by re-adjusting the hydrogen fuel cells to the current electric diesel unit (DEMU). The cost of the train, along with the ground infrastructure, is 111 rupees, and is scheduled to be launched by May this year. The cost is similar to the cost of the Vande Bharat Train 16 coaches.

The development of 35 trains based on fuel cells for hydrogen for various heritage/hill methods in the budget 2023-24 at a cost of 2,800 rupees. Moreover, the construction of the hydrogen infrastructure for heritage methods has been included at a cost of 600 rupees.

Experts are wondering about the high cost associated with the entire hydrogen train project and that the railway has achieved 100 % electrification for all kilometers of the broad network, with the exception of mountain trains that are kept for tourism/heritage purposes.

According to Indian railway estimates, the initial running cost of the hydrogen fuel group will be higher, which will then be reduced with an increase in the number of trains.

“Green hydrogen is expensive and reduce costs is necessary to make it competitive with diesel or electrification. Lalit Chandra Trevidy, the former general manager of the Indian railway:“ In the case of infrared rays where one can feed the electricity based on renewed directly on the upper electrical equipment across the network at the obstetric point, there is no benefit in generating the hydrogen and distributing it everywhere. ”

The railway aims to obtain hydrogen trains part of its larger vision to reduce carbon emissions and move to clean energy sources.

Trivedi says that operating the train system requires carrying some fuel on a locomotive and more refueling is made at multiple points wisely along and network.

“Therefore, we need to carry liquid green hydrogen on board and arrange transportation and distribution at multiple storage points via the rail network. It will be required for 50 points to supply hydrogen at least to serve each kilometer of the network. The requirements of high pressure tanks or the cooled storage and weight on the trains may increase, which may reduce the capacity of goods or passengers.

While green hydrogen is seen as a future source of energy in dense energy sectors, the cost of water production and availability of electrical analysis is major challenges.