Germany continues its battle against diesel based emissions from vehicles by introducing the world’s first hydrogen powered train.
The train which are more expensive than their diesel based counterparts are an attempt by Germany to reduce environmental pollution via diesel trains.
The two trains run a 100km route between the towns and cities of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany as effectively as the diesel trains that usually ply that route.
The train uses hydrogen technology which produces energy in fuel cells via the production of electricity through the combination of hydrogen and oxygen.
This process generates electricity which can then be stored in lithium ion cells for later use with water and water vapor being the only resultant emissions.
These trains were built by the TGV company; Alstom.
Despite the efficacy of the technology there are the issues of its cost.
Although the initial payment or purchase of the train is quite costly, in the long run these trains are easier and cheaper to run Stefan Schrank, the project’s manager at Alstom pointed out.
The company also mentioned countries such as France, Britain, The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Italy and Canada has shown interest, with some looking to adopt this technology latest by 2022.
With the current increase in fuel prices in Ghana, can this be a viable transport alternative?
By:WinstonWotse/techvoiceafrica.com
