‘On track to net zero’
Scottish Hydrogen Train unveiled at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway.
THE first in a series of events showcasing the Scottish Hydrogen Train was held at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway (B&KR) in November, to coincide with Glasgow hosting the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Led by Arcola Energy, which specialises in hydrogen and fuel cell integration for vehicles, the project to create the train, using a former ScotRail Class
314 suburban electric multiple unit, is funded by Transport Scotland, supported by Scottish Enterprise. It is being managed through the University of St Andrews and the Hydrogen Accelerator initiative, which aims to provide expertise in design and delivery.
When No. 614209 (reclassified from No. 314209 to denote its conversion) is completed, Arcola says the high energy density of hydrogen working in conjunction with an efficient electric powertrain will give it a much greater range of operation than a pure batterypowered alternative.
It is also intended to demonstrate how existing rolling stock could be modified to run on hydrogen. Arcola believes this could be particularly significant in meeting emission-free goals for Scotland’s rail network, where routes covering some of the longest distances and serving remote locations currently rely on diesel power.
Arup, along with Abbott Risk Consulting, will play roles in the delivery of the project with AEGIS providing regulatory third-party verification. Rail leasing company Angel Trains is investing in a green hydrogen refuelling installation to support the next stages of the project.
A series of demonstrations are planned, including live running of the unit, which is scheduled to take place in March at the B&KR, where Arcola has already established a rail engineering operation employing 10 people. The firm, which is also working on hydrogenpowered refuse lorry and bus projects in Scotland, says up to 135 jobs will be created over a three-year period at its new manufacturing facility in Dundee and also plans to recruit seven technicians for a service centre in Glasgow.
“The Scottish Hydrogen
Train project is a best-practise example of a partnership between Government, industry and academia in a live rail environment to demonstrate the requirements and opportunities offered by the introduction of hydrogen trains,” said Arcola chief executive Dr Ben Todd.
“We are delighted to work with our partners on the project’s overarching objectives of driving local supply chain opportunities, skills development and job creation.”