Like a mirage rushing throughout the dusty desert outdoors Pueblo, Colorado, the primary hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger prepare in the US is getting warmed up on its check monitor. It can quickly be shipped to Southern California, the place it’s slated to hold riders on San Bernardino County’s Arrow commuter rail service earlier than the top of the yr.
One of the best ways to decarbonize railroads is the topic of rising debate amongst regulators, trade, and activists. The talk is partly technological, revolving round whether or not hydrogen gasoline cells, batteries, or overhead electrical wires supply one of the best efficiency for various railroad conditions. Nevertheless it’s additionally political: a query of the extent to which decarbonization can, or ought to, usher in a broader transformation of rail transportation.
Within the insular world of railroading, this hydrogen-powered prepare is a Rorschach check. To some, it represents the way forward for rail transportation. To others, it seems like a giant, shiny distraction. Learn the complete story.
—Benjamin Schneider
This story is for subscribers solely, and is from the following journal challenge of MIT Know-how Overview, set to go dwell on April 24, on the theme of Construct. In case you don’t already, join now to get a replica when it lands.
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