The UK’s first hydrogen train is unveiled

Luxfer Gas Cylinders, a business unit of Luxfer Holdings and the world’s largest manufacturer of high-pressure composite and aluminium cylinders, has announced that its G-Stor® H2 hydrogen cylinders have been used to help fuel the UK’s first full-sized hydrogen powered demonstrator train. 

Unveiled at the RailLive 2019 show, the HyrdroFLEX project consists of a former Thameslink electric train retrofitted to run using a hydrogen fuel system.

“We’re proud to have worked on this innovative project which marks a significant step towards realising the UK’s ambitions to have a more efficient, greener transport network,” said Lewis Anderson, Alternative Fuel Manager at Luxfer Gas Cylinders. “This is just the start. Now that the concept is proven, the next phase is to put a hydrogen fuel system into a mainline passenger service offering a range of around 600 miles and requiring re-fuelling once a day.”

Luxfer’s alternative fuel experts worked in close collaboration with Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research, which won the Department for Transport funding to support the concept. The four-cylinder hydrogen solution was developed and assembled in Luxfer’s Nottingham, UK alternative fuel facility, which also supplies bespoke hydrogen solutions for a number of European buses including London double decker buses.

“With the government’s recent commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, hydrogen provides a real alternative to diesel transport and electricity,” commented Dr. Mark Lawday, Luxfer’s head of European sales. “This project is an excellent example of Luxfer’s commitment to a clean, green economy across the globe.”

For more information visit www.luxfercylinders.com

1st July 2019