Hydrogen-powered Driving Power Car

Source: THB

Context: India successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered Driving Power Car at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.

• This move is part of the government’s larger vision to introduce 35 hydrogen trains under the ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ scheme.

About Hydrogen-powered Driving Power Car:

• What is a Hydrogen Train? A hydrogen train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water and heat.

• A hydrogen train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water and heat.

• Developed By: Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under Indian Railways, with technical oversight from Northern Railways.

• Objective: To replace diesel locomotives with eco-friendly hydrogen alternatives, especially on heritage and non-electrified routes, and reduce railways’ carbon footprint by 2030.

• How It Works? Hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity to power traction motors. Batteries store excess energy, and regenerative braking enhances efficiency.

• Hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity to power traction motors. Batteries store excess energy, and regenerative braking enhances efficiency.

• Key Features:

• Power Capacity: 1200 HP — world’s most powerful hydrogen train engine. Coach Configuration: 10-car rake vs. global average of 5. Emissions: Zero-emission and produces only water vapour. Cost Efficiency: ₹80 crore/train and ₹70 crore/route for infrastructure. Pilot Route: Jind–Sonipat (Haryana) selected for initial operations.

• Power Capacity: 1200 HP — world’s most powerful hydrogen train engine.

• Coach Configuration: 10-car rake vs. global average of 5.

• Emissions: Zero-emission and produces only water vapour.

• Cost Efficiency: ₹80 crore/train and ₹70 crore/route for infrastructure.

• Pilot Route: Jind–Sonipat (Haryana) selected for initial operations.

• Significance:

• Global Leadership: Puts India among global pioneers in hydrogen rail technology. Net-Zero Vision: Supports Indian Railways’ 2030 decarbonisation target. Green Economy Push: Can extend to trucks, tugboats, and heavy industry.

• Global Leadership: Puts India among global pioneers in hydrogen rail technology.

• Net-Zero Vision: Supports Indian Railways’ 2030 decarbonisation target.

• Green Economy Push: Can extend to trucks, tugboats, and heavy industry.