One sentence summary – Iarnród Éireann is set to conduct a trial by retrofitting a locomotive diesel engine with a hydrogen internal combustion engine, marking the first time in Europe that an existing diesel locomotive will be retrofitted to run on hydrogen.
At a glance
- Iarnród Éireann is retrofitting a diesel locomotive with a hydrogen internal combustion engine.
- This is the first time in Europe that an existing diesel locomotive will be retrofitted to run on hydrogen.
- The project is funded by Iarnród Éireann, Latvian technology firm DIGAS, and the EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
- Hydrogen internal combustion engines have lower upfront costs compared to fuel cells, but they are less efficient.
- The retrofitting work will be carried out by DIGAS, with tests scheduled for next year and the locomotive expected to enter service in 2025.
The details
Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) is set to conduct a groundbreaking trial by retrofitting a locomotive diesel engine with a hydrogen internal combustion engine.
This marks the first time in Europe that an existing diesel locomotive will be retrofitted to run on hydrogen.
The project, costing €1.5m ($1.6m), is being funded by Iarnród Éireann, Latvian technology firm DIGAS, and the EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
Hydrogen internal combustion engines are less efficient than fuel cells, but they offer lower upfront costs.
In June, China’s CRRC successfully converted a diesel-engine locomotive to run on hydrogen-powered fuel cells, demonstrating the feasibility of this technology.
DIGAS will carry out the retrofitting work, with the first tests scheduled for next year.
However, the converted locomotive is not expected to enter service until 2025.
The sources of the hydrogen supply and associated costs have not been specified at this time.
Iarnród Éireann currently operates 18 diesel locomotives, 12 of which are used for freight purposes.
The conversion tests aim to explore greener alternatives for these locomotives, as electrifying freight trains can be economically challenging due to the high costs associated with constructing overhead or electrified lines.
In recent years, some rail operators have resorted to repurposed electric passenger trains or battery-electric locomotives as alternatives to diesel.
Engie and Alstom are collaborating on the development of a hydrogen fuel-cell system for non-electrified sections of railway.
Some operators have switched back to diesel due to high electricity costs.
Consequently, the economic viability of running a hydrogen internal combustion engine in comparison to electric or fuel cell locomotives remains uncertain.
The upcoming trial by Iarnród Éireann holds promise for the future of sustainable rail transport.
It could potentially provide a greener solution for freight trains and present an alternative to diesel-powered locomotives.
The results of the trial will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and potential benefits of hydrogen internal combustion engines in the railway industry.
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| hydrogeninsight.com |
|---|
| – Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) will trial retrofitting a locomotive diesel engine to a hydrogen internal combustion engine. – |
| The technology is less efficient than fuel cells but has lower upfront costs. |
| – China’s CRRC converted a diesel-engine locomotive to run on hydrogen-powered fuel cells in June. – |
| This will be the first time in Europe that an existing diesel locomotive has been retrofitted to run on hydrogen. – |
| The retrofit will be done by Latvian technology firm DIGAS and the first tests will take place next year. |
| – |
| The converted locomotive will not enter service until 2025. – |
| The trial will cost €1.5m ($1.6m) and is funded by Iarnród Éireann, DIGAS, and the EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology. |
| – It is unclear which partners will supply the hydrogen and at what cost. – Iarnród Éireann currently has 18 diesel locomotives in operation, 12 of which are used for freight. |
| – |
| If the conversion tests are successful, the locomotives can be converted to greener alternatives. |
| – Freight trains are difficult to electrify due to the cost of constructing overhead or electrified lines. – Some operators are using repurposed electric passenger trains or battery-electric locomotives. – Engie and Alstom are developing a hydrogen fuel-cell system for non-electrified sections of railway. – Some rail operators have switched back to diesel due to high electricity costs. – |
| The economics of running a hydrogen internal combustion engine compared to electric or fuel cell locomotives are unclear. |
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