Summary of RFG Seminar ‘Transporting Hydrogen by Rail’

The RFG seminar focusing on Transporting Hydrogen by Rail on 4 March attracted attendees from many parts of the rail freight industry and generated many interesting discussions.

The event was held at BCRRE (Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education) and Stuart Hillmansen, Professor in Railway Traction Systems, started the discussion by explaining that hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and people have been talking about it as a fuel for railways and other uses for many decades.  He highlighted their successful work on the prototype Hydroflex hydrogen fuelled passenger train.

You can watch a recording of the event here

Andrew Winship, Deputy Chair of HEA (Hydrogen Energy Association) said the UK cannot achieve its decarbonisation ambitions without hydrogen. Its main role is where electrification is not possible and is especially suited to steel making, chemical production and fuel production. The majority of hydrogen is now supplied in the UK via road in tube trailers.  He highlighted the numerous hydrogen schemes that are being supported, and noted that the need for transport will increase

Greg March, Freight Business Development Manager for Network Rail, said rail freight already plays a critical role in the energy sector moving biomass, LNG and aviation fuel. And it has a history of moving dangerous goods, including nuclear fuels. So the potential for hydrogen is significant. The critical issue is to be talking about it now so the rail freight industry is ready when the customers are.

He said that we need to create a map showing potential production facilities and end users to identify where the services could actually run.

Robert Edge said Freeport East was helping on-site businesses to develop hydrogen production with the freeport zone.  One example was their work with Australian investors to develop ‘magic sponges’  within a a 20 ft ISO container that would carry one tonne of hydrogen and is keen to partner with a tank wagon manufacturer as part of their innovation development.

Helen Simson, founder of Enspired Consulting, said she is working with Innovate UK on a project to see if the tube transport trailers could be loaded on rail flatbeds. And they are also modelling to help assess the risks of transporting hydrogen on rail as public perception is that hydrogen is very dangerous.

Questions were also raised about the possibility of transporting a few containers of hydrogen on mixed intermodal trains and about whether the economics stack up to make it a profitable business.

Wrapping up the event, Maggie Simpson< Director General RFG, gave a summary of the day and the next steps identified. She noted that the speakers had highlighted the significant potential of hydrogen as a fuel, the number of developments which are currently in progress and therefore the need for hydrogen transport.

Around this there is significant uncertainty, and surface transport options are underdeveloped particularly around rail.

However, the discussion has highlighted some potential for hydrogen to move on rail today using existing services where it is containerised, and there are actions for companies to consider how they can do this, taking note of existing dangerous goods requirements on rail and in terminals.

There is also a clear imperative for the industry to try and be closer to government thinking on the hydrogen economy where it is not presently represented. Delegates were also encouraged to participate in some of the innovation work that was highlighted at the event.

RFG would like to thank all the speakers, the BCRRE for hosting the event, and all the delegates for making it such a lively and interesting discussion.