Ballard to power India’s first hydrogen trains
Published by Isabelle Keltie,
Editorial Assistant
Global Hydrogen Review,
Ballard Power Systems has announced a fuel cell module order from Medha Servo Drives, a leading rail system integrator, who has been contracted by Indian Railways to develop India’s first hydrogen powered trains.
The two retrofitted diesel-electric commuter trains will integrate 8 units of 100 kW FCmoveTM-HD+, Ballard’s latest fuel cell technology, which offers improved efficiency and power density than previous module generations.
The contract to provide the hydrogen-powered trains was awarded to Medha as a first step in Indian Railways’ path to achieve their net zero ambitions. The fuel cell modules are expected to be shipped in 2023, with trains scheduled to go into service in 2024, with potential for additional retrofits following the initial deployment.
Indian Railways estimate their investment in the hydrogen fuel cell project to have a payback of less than two years as the cost of hydrogen is now less than diesel. These conversions are not only expected to be more economic than their diesel counterpart, but also reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by over 11 metric t and eliminate nearly 1 metric t particulate matter per year.
Mr. Kasyap Reddy, Managing Director of Medha Servo Drives said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Ballard in the development of India’s first hydrogen powered trains. Rail transportation is a critical piece of infrastructure across India and we are proud to be taking the first steps to decarbonise this facet of our economy. With leading technology and strong project economics, we are optimistic about the future of zero emission rail transport.”
David Mucciacciaro, Ballard Chief Commercial Officer commented: “Our progress in decarbonising the rail market is just beginning, as we work with leading rolling stock manufacturers, integrators and operators globally. This announcement with Medha exemplifies the growing need and progress being made to decarbonise global mobility. We are excited to grow our fuel cell business in India, and to power the first hydrogen powered, zero emission passenger trains in the Indian market.”
For more news and technical articles from the global hydrogen sector, read the latest issue of Global Hydrogen Review magazine.
Global Hydrogen Review's Spring 2022 issue
The inaugural issue of Global Hydrogen Review is full of detailed technical articles and case studies exploring the entire spectrum of hydrogen production and its applications worldwide. This issue covers a range of topics including the current status of blue hydrogen, how cryogenic technology is helping to shape the energy transition, and integrity management of hydrogen pipelines. Other features include green hydrogen, simulation, transportation, compressor technology, and much more.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/07092022/ballard-to-power-indias-first-hydrogen-trains/
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