Like a mirage dashing throughout the dusty desert outdoors Pueblo, Colorado, the primary hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger prepare in the US is getting warmed up on its take a look at observe. It should 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 yr.
One of the simplest ways to decarbonize railroads is the topic of rising debate amongst regulators, trade, and activists. The talk is partly technological, revolving round whether or not hydrogen gas cells, batteries, or overhead electrical wires provide the most effective 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 prepare is a Rorschach take a look at. To some, it represents the way forward for rail transportation. To others, it seems like an enormous, shiny distraction. Learn the total story.
—Benjamin Schneider
This story is for subscribers solely, and is from the subsequent journal difficulty of MIT Know-how Overview, set to go stay on April 24, on the theme of Construct. In the event you don’t already, enroll now to get a replica when it lands.
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