Saudi Railways: Hydrogen Train First Trials to Start in Kingdom
Saudi Arabia is making history by introducing the first hydrogen train to the Middle East.
Following the signing an agreement with the French company Alstom, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the launch of hydrogen train trials in the Kingdom.
The agreement aims to conduct operational trials and studies necessary to work on preparing this type of train to match the Kingdom’s environment and atmosphere. The trials come in preparation for the train to enter passenger service in the future.
SAR confirmed that the trials will start this October. Being the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, this train highlights the Kingdom’s commitment and initiative towards adopting sustainable transportation technologies.
The Journey Towards Hydrogen-Powered Trains in Saudi Arabia
In 2022, Saudi Railway Company and Alstom, a French manufacturer operating in rail transport markets, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a hydrogen train suitable for Saudi Arabia. The MOU followed a series of meetings on the pressing need for sustainable public transportation.
Hydrogen Train: Step Towards Sustainability
His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Railways (SAR) Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser explained that this step is part of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services objectives.
It is part of plans to shift to a more sustainable transportation system that adopts the latest smart technologies. Al-Jasser stressed that SAR is committed to its pioneering role in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative emanating from Saudi Vision 2030. The vision includes increasing the Kingdom’s dependence on clean energy, cutting carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
The CEO of SAR Company Bashar Al Malik affirmed the Saudi Railways’ commitment to its pioneering national role in implementing qualitative initiatives emanating from the company’s strategy related to national strategy for transport and logistics services.
Bashar Al Malik noted that since the energy needed to operate and move the train is generated without any carbon emissions, the hydrogen train is one of the most significant modern innovations in the field of sustainable transport. Given the train’s various benefits, it is an attractive option for sustainable energy. In addition, its characteristics have a positive impact on the environment, the economy and the future of future generations.
External Support to Ministry of Transportation
The minister of Trasport hailed the significant, unlimited support from Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, to the Transportation and Logistics Services Ministry. This support comes through empowering the sector to achieve its projects and development and service initiatives.
His Excellency Al-Jasser also valued the cooperation and joint integration between the ministry and various parties in this field to improve the quality of life and protect future generations by using clean energy sources in operative processes.
It should be noted that the approved trials for this type of train began in 2018 in Germany and continued until 2020. The limited commercial operation for transporting passengers began in 2022.
Hydrogen Trains VS Traditional Trains
Hydrogen trains have fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity. These cells provide a reliable and efficient source of energy for train propulsion. However, diesel trains rely on internal combustion engines that burn fuel. Proceeding from that, hydrogen trains are environment friendly because they reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon footprint.
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