UK’s first hydrogen train makes mainline debut

The HydroFLEX project - developed through a collaboration between Birmingham University and industry partners - has been supported with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport. It follows almost two years’ development work by the university’s Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE)  and rolling stock firm Porterbrook.

The train used in the trials is a converted Class 319 dual voltage train fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell that enables it to run purely on hydrogen on non-electrified routes. Unlike diesel trains, hydrogen-powered trains do not emit harmful gases, instead using hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water and heat.

Professor Stephen Jarvis, Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Birmingham University, said: “BCRRE is setting the pace for rail innovation both in the UK and globally. The HydroFLEX project is a great example of how world-class R&D, together with the right industry partnerships, can deliver decarbonisation technologies that are both innovative and practical."