Train companies getting on board the hydrogen chain gang...

Train companies getting on board the hydrogen chain gang

Australian rail and trucking companies have also started to investigate fuel switching options to hydrogen power.
Pacific National, one of Australia’s largest rail freight companies, is exploring ways of lowering fuel emissions by using biodiesel and hydrogen and is even looking into hybrid freight trains that use a combination of diesel and battery power.
Rival rail freight business, Aurizon (ASX:AZJ), is undertaking a $12m trial called the Hydrogen Mobility Project to replace its diesel trucks with hydrogen vehicles, beginning from late 2024.
Using renewables-based hydrogen produced in Queensland from the Ark Energy operated SunHQ Hydrogen Hub in Townsville, Aurizon says the project will see four hydrogen-powered prime movers haul goods in and around its freight operations at Stuart Terminal and the Port of Townsville and will also include the installation of a hydrogen refuelling station in Townsville, Queensland.
The company is also working on a feasibility study with global mining company, Anglo American, to assess the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains for bulk freight.
If the feasibility study is successful, the agreement could be extended to further phases of collaboration, which could include detailed engineering and the development of a hydrogen fuelled heavy haul locomotive prototype.