By Ben Jones

THE UK’s first hydrogen-powered main line train moved under its own power for the first time at the ‘Rail Live’ event in June. 

Porterbrook ‘HydroFLEX’ demonstrator No. 799001, extensively modified from dual-voltage EMU No. 319001, has been fitted with a hydrogen power pack, allowing it to run as normal on electrified routes, or independently using fuel cells to generate electrical current to power traction equipment. 

No. 799001 has been developed by Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), and will be tested on the main line following the successful low-speed trials. 

Read more in the July 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

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