GS 3- Environment
Context:
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has successfully conducted trials of India’s first hydrogen-powered Driving Power Car. This initiative is a step toward implementing the government’s ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ scheme, which aims to launch 35 hydrogen-powered trains.
About the Hydrogen-powered Driving Power Car
What is a Hydrogen Train?
Hydrogen trains operate using hydrogen fuel cells, which produce electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in zero harmful emissions — only water vapour and heat are released.
Development and Oversight
- Manufactured by: Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
- Under: Indian Railways
- Technical Guidance: Northern Railways
- Purpose: To phase out diesel engines, especially on heritage and non-electrified routes, and help Indian Railways reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Working Mechanism
- Energy Generation: Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity to run traction motors.
- Energy Storage: Excess energy is stored in batteries.
- Efficiency Feature: Uses regenerative braking to capture and reuse energy during deceleration.
Key Features
- Power Output: Rated at 1200 Horsepower, making it the most powerful hydrogen train engine globally.
- Coach Setup: Comprises a 10-car rake, double the international average of 5 coaches.
- Environmental Benefit: A zero-emission system that releases only water vapour as a by-product.
- Cost Estimates: Around ₹80 crore per train ₹70 crore per route for necessary infrastructure
- Trial Route: The Jind–Sonipat corridor in Haryana has been designated as the pilot route.
Significance of the Initiative
- Global Standing: Elevates India to the ranks of global frontrunners in hydrogen rail technology.
- Decarbonisation Goal: Contributes directly to Indian Railways’ commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
- Green Economy Expansion: Success in railways could lead to the adoption of hydrogen solutions in other heavy sectors like trucking, tugboats, and industrial transport.