The authorities of the San Bernardino District of California have signed a contract to supply the first passenger train in the United States with hydrogen fuel cells. The rolling stock will be manufactured by the United States branch of Starler Rail AG, a Swiss company, and the engines will be supplied by the Canadian company Ballard Power Systems. The first hydrogen trains are expected to travel to California in 2024 with a view to purchasing up to 25 trains in the future.
Much of the harmful emissions in developed and developing countries are produced by rail. The US is no exception. Moreover, they are at the forefront of diesel combustion in locomotives. The conversion of rolling stock to hydrogen fuel cells will significantly reduce the environmental impact. The first mission in the United States is ready to begin California as the most progressive state on the green front.
A signed memorandum of understanding involves the manufacture for California of four Stadler FLIRT H2 passenger trains for long-distance transport for more than 100 passengers each. The contract can be extended to 25 trains. Stadler produces several modifications of the FLIRT train from classical diesel to hybrid and fully electrical on batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. The manufacturer sold about 2,000 trains of this type to 21 countries around the world, reflecting enormous experience and reliable product work.
The first U.S. FLIRT H2 pipeline will be manufactured by the Canadian company Ballard Power Systems. Under this contract, six FCmove-HD+ engines will be delivered on fuel cells with a capacity of 100 kW. In the course of its operation, the engine will release water vapour and condensed water rather than a wide range of greenhouse gases. This practice has already found some support in Europe, where a dozen other hydrogen trains will soon be in service.