Hydrogen power- making waves in the transport industry
The new train will operate using hydrogen fuel cell technology. Hydrogen fuel cell technology works by converting chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical process rather than through combustion as is the case for traditional internal combustion engines which the majority of locomotives use.
In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen gas is fed into the anode side of the cell while oxygen is supplied to the cathode. At the anode, hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons. The electrons flow through an external circuit to create an electric current that can power electric motors, vehicles, or other devices. Water is released as the only byproduct, making hydrogen fuel cells a clean source of energy with zero harmful emissions provided the hydrogen used in the fuel cell was sources from renewable energy.
New improvement to hydrogen trains
FCAB has said that the new train will be about 30 tonnes lighter than previous hydrogen fuel cell powered trains. The train will also include a 35MPa onboard hydrogen system and a high-capacity battery. “This milestone is another step in a path of innovation that is part of the hallmark of Antofagasta Minerals and FCAB,” explained Iván Arriagada, the Executive President of Antofagasta plc, which owns FCAB, “it will allow us to learn about this new fuel. We want to study possible uses of this fuel in the future when the technology is more mature.”
Currently, there are several pilot projects of hydrogen fuel cell electric trains across the globe, especially in developed countries, including one commercialized and permanent route in Germany. While they are not as prevalent as hydrogen cars, hydrogen fuel cell technology is becoming a promising alternative in the locomotive industry.
Hydrogen trains to aid Chile’s 2050 carbon goals
Dafne Pino Riffo, Regional Minister Secretary of Energy in Chile stated, “This project promoted by FCAB not only introduces a unique technology in South America but also reaffirms the industry’s commitment to a cleaner future, aligned with our country’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.” In 2020, Chile set their 2050 carbon-neutral target making them the first Latin-American country to establish a law specifically centered on combating climate change.
Additionally, the new hydrogen trains are intended to use hydrogen only from green energy sources. This ensures that the carbon-neutral promise the trains deliver preserves its authenticity. FCAB is now in the final stages of orchestrating the necessary facilities as well as training their staff to safely maintain and operate the train.
Chile has set interim goals to reach their 2050 carbon-neutral goal. This includes reducing emissions by 25% by 2030 compared to 2007 levels. The country also aims to phase out coal as a source of electricity by 2040 and is making significant investments in renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. These sources already account for a growing portion of their energy mix. Chile is focusing on transitioning to a green economy by implementing policies that support renewable energy development, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, and industry.
Spotlight on public transport amidst climate crisis
Prioritizing renewable solutions in public transport is also key to building a more resilient and energy-efficient infrastructure, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. In order to meet climate targets, governments should focus on scaling up investments in renewable public transport, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring that these services are affordable and accessible to all to make sustainable transportation an integral part of future cities.