First hydrogen-powered commuter train in the U.S. under development
Hexagon Purus has signed a contract with Stadler Rail to develop high-pressure cylinder storage system for the first hydrogen commuter train in the United States. The contract includes the development and homologation of a new cylinder and tank system to be approved in the U.S. Hexagon Purus’ storage system is due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021. The train will be built and tested in Switzerland and other European locations, then transferred to California in 2023.
“In the midst of the climate crisis, the demand for solutions that help reduce emissions across transport industries is growing rapidly. Hydrogen-powered trains are a smart solution to reduce local emissions without incurring the high cost of electrifying the tracks,” said Michael Kleschinski, Executive Vice President of Hexagon Purus. “We are pleased to help with the further development of the infrastructure need for this ground-breaking move in public transit.”
Replacing diesel trains with hydrogen-powered trains is an innovative way of reducing local emissions on train lines and to reduce the overall emission of harmful substances and greenhouse gas. It does not require massive track overhauls.
Hexagon Purus’ lightweight, durable all-composite Type 4 pressure vessel technology serves a wide range of mobility and storage applications in the hydrogen industry. This contract represents the second hydrogen rail project that Hexagon Purus has supported since the introduction of the world’s first hydrogen powered commuter train in 2018.
