Hydrogen Trains in 2024 to Drive Sustainability

By Shubhendra Anand , 23 April, 2025

Hydrogen trains signify an essential development in the world's efforts to decarbonize transport. А Hydrogen-powered trains emerged as the fastest way of mobility, with specific coverage and significant developments in several areas, signifying a worldwide switch towards the green railroad industry by 2024.

Hydrogen trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity that powers electric motors, and their only by-products are water vapor and heat. This makes them an attractive option for replacing diesel trains, for instance, in areas where it may be economically or geographically impossible to extend the electrification of the rail lines. Based on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Wabtec has been awarded a federal grant of around USD 48.4 million to manufacture hydrogen-powered trains in Pennsylvania. This includes the conversion of diesel engines to run on hydrogen. Further, India is all set to step into hydrogen trains by the end of 2024.

Hydrogen trains can serve a vital role for un-electrified railways, as they lessen the reliance on diesel without any required expensive electrification infrastructure. Countries are increasing the green hydrogen production because the whole environmentally friendly effects of the technology depend on the usage of renewable hydrogen materials. Initiatives like European hydrogen corridors link rail to broader hydrogen systems and networks.

The cost of production, workforce availability, and infrastructure are all advantages of the hydrogen-fueled engine. As green hydrogen technology continues to develop, it is expected that the possibilities will only continue to expand. Hydrogen trains in the upcoming years will highlight the transition of the transportation sector to more economical alternatives globally. Such developments are essential for the increased penetration and integration of hydrogen into the global sustainable rail systems. For rail systems, diesel-powered trains have a stronghold in rural or remote areas with little to no access to electrification. Hydrogen could be considered an answer in this case. It destroys emissions while saving the expenses and more demanding processes associated with electrification.                                       

Benefits of hydrogen-powered trains: