Like a mirage rushing throughout the dusty desert outdoors Pueblo, Colorado, the primary hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger practice in the US is getting warmed up on its check monitor. It’s going to 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 12 months.
One of the best ways to decarbonize railroads is the topic of rising debate amongst regulators, trade, and activists. The controversy is partly technological, revolving round whether or not hydrogen gasoline cells, batteries, or overhead electrical wires provide the very 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 practice 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 difficulty of MIT Expertise Overview, set to go stay on April 24, on the theme of Construct. If you happen to don’t already, join now to get a replica when it lands.
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