Scotland to run its 1st hydrogen propelled train at COP26: Scotland may have what is reported to be its 1st hydrogen-powered train functioning amid COP26 in Glasgow over November.

The British hydrogen tech firm Arcola Energy & a group of industry leaders in hydrogen fuel cell unification, rail engineering & practical safety have been selected by Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland & the Hydrogen Accelerator to bring the hydrogen train.

Arcola Energy will produce the tech for the train’s current powertrain, that will set the foundation of the additional development of the plan within the next 10 months.

The group, that contains the international engineering consultancy Arup, Abbot Rish Consulting & AEGIS Certification Services, will adapt a Class 314 car passenger train of ScotRail, into a hydrogen running train advancement.

Project associate Arup will utilise the knowledge from the project to establish hydrogen trains for the rail network in Scotland.

Dr Ben Todd, Chief Executive Officer of Arcola Energy, stated: “Hydrogen traction power offers a safe, reliable and zero-carbon alternative for Scotland’s rail network.

“The hydrogen train project is an excellent opportunity for industry leaders in hydrogen, rail engineering and safety to collaborate with Scottish technology providers to develop a deployment-ready solution.”

Clare Lavelle, Scotland Energy Business Lead at Arup, added: “This project is not only a crucial step in helping us understand the practical challenges of using hydrogen traction power on our railways but an example of the type of investment Scotland needs to take advantage of the opportunity to build a secure, flexible, cost-effective and zero-carbon energy network.”

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This project has the potential to be a game-changer for the future of Scotland’s rail rolling stock.”

Scotland to run its 1st hydrogen propelled train at COP26