A hydrogen-powered train in South America is expected to begin operations on the Antofagasta-Bolivia railway network.
Operator FCAB received the 1MW fuel cell-powered train from Chinese manufacturer CRRC Qishuyan earlier this year, and it will deploy the locomotive for the first time from FCAB facilities in Antofagasta to the city’s port.
In addition to the fuel cell, the train will feature a 35MPa onboard hydrogen system and a high-capacity battery. FCAB has stated the vehicle is approximately 30 tonnes lighter than other hydrogen-powered trains.
“This milestone is another step in a path of innovation that is part of the hallmark of Antofagasta Minerals and FCAB,” explained Iván Arriagada, the Executive President of Antofagasta plc, which owns FCAB.
“It will allow us to learn about this new fuel. We want to study possible uses of this fuel in the future when the technology is more mature.”
Dafne Pino Riffo, Regional Minister Secretary of Energy, added, “This project promoted by FCAB not only introduces a unique technology in South America but also reaffirms the industry’s commitment to a cleaner future, aligned with our country’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”
H2 View understands that FCAB has secured the required supply of green hydrogen and is now in the final stages of enabling the necessary facilities, along with training its staff to safely maintain and operate the machine.
Stadler’s leap into the US hydrogen rail market
While the US boasts one of the largest train networks in the world, passenger rail plays a much smaller part than other means of transport.
Holding an extensive freight rail network, which the US relies heavily on for bulk transportation, the passenger rail sector plays second fiddle due to interstate highway systems and aviation transport.
“Cargo is king” in the US, according to European train manufacturer Stadler’s Commercial Project Manager, Kaden Killpack, who is spearheading the development and deployment of the Swiss firm’s hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) H2 passenger train.
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