Canada has become home to North America’s first hydrogen-powered Train, showcasing the potential of clean and efficient transportation. This groundbreaking technology is a stark contrast to the conventional use of electricity or diesel in modern train engines.
The Coradia Ilint, developed by French company Alstom, is the hydrogen-powered train making history. It operates on a route between Quebec City and Base-Saint-Paul, accommodating up to 120 passengers and reaching speeds of up to 140 km per hour (roughly 87 miles per hour).
Unlike traditional trains, the Coradia iLint emits only water vapor as it leverages a fuel cell to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. Robert Stasko, executive director of Ontario’s Hydrogen Business Council, believes that the significance of this project lies in raising awareness and fostering acceptance of this innovative technology.
The Coradia iLint operates on the Train de Charlevoix route from Wednesday to Sunday, continuing its operation until September 30th. Alstom has already received orders for 41 trainsets from clients in Germany, Italy, and France, and hopes to generate similar interest among North American operators through this Canadian demonstration.
According to Serge Harnois, CEO of Harnois Énergies, the hydrogen-powered train consumes approximately 50 kilograms of hydrogen per day, replacing about 500 liters of diesel that would have been burned during the same journey. To refuel the train, a diesel-powered truck transports the hydrogen to the station, resulting in some carbon emissions. However, Harnois predicts that hydrogen production could eventually take place on-site, minimizing the carbon footprint.
Although the train had to be transported from Europe to Canada for this short-term project, it will not return to Europe after the demonstration. Instead, it will continue to tour other cities in North America, advocating for the adoption of this revolutionary technology.
For more information about this project, visit here.
Image credit: Alstom
Source: CBC News
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