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India Develops World’s Most Powerful Hydrogen Train Engine

Posted 15 Jan 2025

2 min read

It will undergo its first trial run on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.

  • The engine has been made by Indian Railways using indigenous technology, having a capacity of 1,200 horsepower
  • Only 4 countries (Germany, France, Sweden, and China) in the world have hydrogen-powered trains, producing between 500 to 600 horsepower.

Hydrogen as a Clean Fuel 

  • Hydrogen is a clean & versatile energy source with potential to decarbonize transportation, industry, & power generation.
  • Types 
    • Blue Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas with a process of steam methane reforming, where natural gas is mixed with very hot steam and a catalyst. Carbon dioxide is also produced as a by-product.
    • Grey Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas via steam methane reforming (SMR). It emits significant carbon dioxide (CO₂).
    • Green Hydrogen: Produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, solar) with no harmful by-products.
    • Pink hydrogen: Generated through electrolysis powered by nuclear energy.

Advantages 

  • Abundance: It contributes 75% of the mass of the universe.
  • Clean Energy: Water is the only byproduct when used in fuel cells.
  • Highly Efficient when Compared to Other Energy Sources

Challenges

  • Currently expensive, Storage and transportation of hydrogen is more complex, safety (highly flammable), etc.

Initiatives Undertaken

  • Green Hydrogen Policy (2022): To make India a leading producer and supplier of Green Hydrogen in the world.
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): To make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
  • Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme: Incentives for manufacturing of electrolysers & production of green hydrogen.
  • Tags :
  • Hydrogen
  • Hydrogen Train Engine
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