Ontario proposes the world's first hydrogen commuter train
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is proposing the construction of a hydrogen-powered commuter train in the Canadian province. During a visit to a factory in Thunder Bay where Montreal-based Bombardier builds passenger rail cars for the commuter GO Train, McGuinty revealed that his administration is discussing a new train with Bombardier.
McGuinty wants Bombardier to build this hydrogen-powered commuter train. As a closed service that is confined to the rails, a fueling infrastructure would not be an obstacle for the service. Bombardier had previously proposed development of such a train in Europe a few years back but never got the funding for it. Not much technical detail is given but fuel cells would seem the most likely power source since electric trains are already common-place. Using the fuel cells would allow the train to run without wires or power rails. McGuinty wants the first train launched by 2010.
[Source: Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal via EcoGeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Helmut Ebert 1:53PM (5/07/2009)
I assume that the required hydrogen will be produced by electrolysis in the coal fired power plants which McGyuinty promised to close.
Bombardier got nice contracts granted in Europe, but not for those trains.
Hydrogen must become a renewable energy source, but that takes more time, more development and a smart politic.
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Gordio 5:42PM (9/22/2007)
"Using the fuel cells would allow the train to run without wires or power rails. McGuinty wants the first train launched by 2010."
This is the only reason this has an advantage over regular electric trains. I think this is a weak reason. Hydrogen costs way more than the tried/tested electric rail.
The only way this is advantageous is if this train travels interstate distances.
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rgseidl 5:58PM (9/22/2007)
This is braindead. A vehicle that is anyhow confined to a track should be powered with electricity picked up from a third rail or overhead line.
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Dave 9:41PM (9/22/2007)
Unbelievably pointless.
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Colin Carmichael 1:03AM (9/23/2007)
You neglect to mention that this 'announcement' was made during an election campaign and, therefore, means virtually nothing. It was merely an attempt to look more green than the Green Party.
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GreyFlcn 2:00AM (9/23/2007)
Hydrogen is just another fake diversion put forward by the HydroCarbon Industry.
Aka, the Fossil Fuel Industry.
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Chris M 2:55AM (9/23/2007)
Please note that this proposal comes from a clueless politician, and Bombardier would only consider it with substantial government funding and subsidies.
Such a train would be considerably more expensive than a standard electric, efficiency would be poor, operation and manintenance costs would be much higher, and unlike an electric train, would frequently be out of service for refilling those H2 tanks. I pity any transit district stuck with such a white elephant.
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Turbofrog 2:08PM (9/23/2007)
Yeah, I desperately hope that this is a promise he does break. Considering the enormous budget deficit the provincial government has stuck Toronto's transit system with, funding expensive idiocy of this sort is a massive slap in the face.
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