Hydrogen Trains Research Articles

Japan and the UK: Emission predictions of electric and hydrogen trains to 2050

Electric trains (ETs) and hydrogen trains (HTs) offer an opportunity for both Japan and the UK to meet their national targets as part of the Paris Agreement. Although ETs and HTs are considered zero emission at the point of use, their true environmental impact is dependent upon non-tailpipe emissions from fuel/energy production and vehicle manufacture, maintenance and disposal. To assess and compare the carbon dioxide emissions produced from ETs and HTs in Japan and the UK from 2020 and 2050, the operating emissions of these trains were projected. Results compared ET and HT emissions with diesel fuelled trains (DFTs) to better assess which fuel type was the most environmentally friendly. Emissions per train, cumulative emissions and total energy required for ETs and HTs were compared.Results indicated that even with technological improvements, DD DFTs produced the highest level of emissions in both countries, followed by HTs. Although ETs produced the lowest level of emissions, it is likely that a mix of both ETs and HTs will be required to meet passenger demand and for travel within rural areas. As Japan has already transitioned towards ETs, future policy focus should be placed on decarbonisation of their energy sector and a shift away from fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy, otherwise environmental benefits of ETs will be diminished. As the UK is decarbonising its electricity network, focus needs to be placed on electrifying the majority of the rail network and running the rest on hydrogen to decarbonise rail transport.

Electric and hydrogen rail: Potential contribution to net zero in the UK

Electric trains (ET) and hydrogen trains (HT) are considered zero emission at the point of use. True emissions are dependent upon non-tailpipe sources, primarily in energy production. We present UK carbon dioxide (CO2) operating emission model outputs for conventionally fuelled trains (CFT), ETs and HTs between 2017 and 2050 under four National Grid electricity generation scenarios.Comparing four service categories (urban, regional, intercity and high speed) to private conventionally fuelled vehicles (CFV) and electric vehicles considering average distance travelled per trip under different passenger capacity levels (125%, 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%).Results indicate by 2050 at 100% capacity CFTs produce a fifth of the emissions of CFVs per kilometre per person. Under two degree generation scenario, by 2050 ETs produced 14 times and HTs produced five times less emissions than CFTs. Policymakers should encourage shifts away from private vehicles to public transport powered by low carbon electricity.