Issues for the Introduction of Hydrogen-Powered Rail Vehicles on Hungarian Regional Railway Lines Through an Example from Germany

Abstract

The research provides an answer for the introduction of a hydrogen rail system in Hungary, based on an ongoing project in Germany. The research will provide a solution for a more sustainable replacement of the rail branch line services, which currently generates significant emissions. The research also takes into account the important issues of energy trade, i.e. the unpredictable wind and solar energy storage in the summer months. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that it describes the situation of the Hungarian branch line railway infrastructure on the one hand and the problem of storage and use of renewable and surplus seasonal energy in Hungary on the other hand. The study compares the CO2 emissions of three selected regional railway areas in Hungary with the amount of hydrogen consumption on the same line. The current level of hydrogen production in Hungary at the national level and in the regions under study was determined.