The project will involve establishing an operational concept, the associated operational hazards, and regulatory obligations for the trains.
The move follows a proposal by the British government to replace all diesel-only trains by 2040. The deployment of hydrogen powered trains is expected to offer a lower carbon alternative to diesel alongside electrified lines and battery powered trains.
Working with manufacturers, regulators, rolling stock owners and operators, Arup’s work will inform the specific design solutions of hydrogen-powered trains, factoring in operation and safety risks.
The study, which is due to be completed in February 2020, will also determine what level of standardisation is needed across the country’s railway system, clarifying the route to market from a safety and compatibility perspective.
Abellio included a commitment to trial hydrogen-powered trains when it was awarded the East Midlands franchise in August, and several organisations have already developed hydrogen solutions for Britain. The study will review the readiness of these projects to enter operation.
“Safety remains critical to the rail industry’s aim to deliver low-carbon passenger journeys whilst improving customer performance and customer experience,” says Arup project director and senior consultant, technical risk, Mr Albert Law.
“It is vital that we treat the railway as a system, and when deploying a new technology, we must interrogate the operational approaches, constraints and regulatory obligations. Managing technical risk early creates an efficient, safe and reliable environment for train operation, delivery and ultimately passengers and freight.”
“Rail is already a naturally low-carbon transport mode, but there is still potential for the industry to make a further step change in emissions reduction,” says RSSB’s head of sustainable development programme, Mr Anthony Perret.
“For rail to play a major role in enabling the British economy to be net zero by 2050, we will need a mix of electrification, hydrogen and battery technology. This study will highlight our readiness to embrace the emerging benefits of hydrogen powered trains on our network.”
