Scotland’s first hydrogen train is on track with Ballard to deliver FC Modules

Ballard, a Canadian producer of PEM fuel cell products, announced that it would supply FCmove™-HD fuel cell modules to the Scotland first fuel cell passenger train. The train is planned to run on tracks by November 2021, with the aim to demonstrate it during 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Glasgow.

As covered by H2 Bulletin previously, Scotland wants to develop hydrogen-powered train. A consortium has been set up for that purpose, supported by Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the Hydrogen Accelerator. Arcola Energy, a UK based hydrogen technology company, will lead the consortium of companies. The consortium goal is to convert a ScotRail’s Class 314 car passenger train to run on hydrogen.

The initial announcement came on 21st February 2020 that a class 314 trains would be used for testing the hydrogen technology. The conversion works are taking place at Brodies Engineering in Kilmarnock, and the technology will be tested at Bo’ness before going on the mainline. 314209 is the final remaining intact class 314 and are being used for the project.

Ballard received the order for the fuel cell modules from Arcola Energy, who is leading Scotland’s hydrogen train project. Ballard’s FCmove™-HD is heavy-duty fuel cell power module for the zero-emission application.  When it comes to fuel efficiency, these modules are considered up to three times more fuel-efficient than CNG and diesel engines, which means a reduction in overall fuel consumption.

In another development, Plug Power announced 50-50 joint venture with French automaker Renault to develop vehicle systems based on hydrogen fuel cells technology. This will likely boost Ballard business, as Plug Power’s GenDrive system integrates fuel cells produced by Plug Power and Ballard Power Systems.