In an environmental endeavour, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has partnered with Latvia’s Digas to embark on Europe’s inaugural trial of a locomotive that will operate on hydrogen rather than diesel.
This project, costing €1.5 million, aims to revolutionise diesel-powered freight locomotives by adapting their combustion engines to run on environment- friendly hydrogen, marking a pivotal step towards reducing carbon emissions in rail transportation.
Under the collaborative agreement, Irish Rail will provide its 071 Class Diesel Locomotive for the hydrogen conversion process, offering access to its workshop facilities for the installation, testing and commissioning phases. This visionary initiative promises to replace traditional diesel fuel with renewable, emission-free hydrogen.
Presently in design phase, the project is scheduled to progress through two testing stages, one slated for 2024 and the other for 2025. The initial stage will comprise static testing of the locomotive, evaluating its power output and emission levels.
Subsequently, in 2025, the second phase will commence, encompassing real-world service trials of the hydrogen-powered locomotive on railway tracks. This collaborative effort marks a stride in Ireland’s commitment to sustainable transport.
