A hydrogen train will run on a UK mainline for the first time today under government-funded trials while Tees Valley will see the UK's first hydrogen transport hub.
The trial of the HydroFLEX (pictured) train takes place in Warwickshire and will see it run through Evesham station.
The project was supported with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport as well as £1m from both train leasing company Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham.
Those involved said the technology could be available by 2023 to retrofit current in-service trains to hydrogen, helping decarbonise the rail network.
The University of Birmingham is already developing a hydrogen and battery powered module that can be fitted underneath the train, which will allow for more space for passengers in the train’s carriage.
The trial is only part of a wider £23m Hydrogen for Transport Programme, including a hydrogen transport hub in Tees Valley to be designed by Mott MacDonald.
The masterplan is expected to be published in January and will help pave the way for exploring how green hydrogen could power buses, HGV, rail, maritime and aviation transport across the UK.
Tees Valley is already home to the world’s largest versatile hydrogen refuelling facility made possible through Government funding and the hub will bring together academics and industry to drive forward the UK’s hydrogen plans.
Around £6.3m will also be allocated to a green hydrogen refuelling station and 19 hydrogen-powered refuse vehicles in Glasgow, a world-first for the size of the fleet.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: 'As we continue on our road to a green recovery, we know that to really harness the power of transport to improve our country – and to set a global gold standard – we must truly embed change.
'That’s why I’m delighted that through our plans to build back better we are embracing the power of hydrogen and the more sustainable, greener forms of transport it will bring.'
Unlike diesel trains, hydrogen-powered trains do not emit harmful gases, instead using hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water and heat.
Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook, said: 'Today’s mainline testing of HydroFLEX achieves another important milestone on this journey. I’m also delighted to be able to announce our intention to start producing HydroFLEX trains, creating the world’s first electric and hydrogen powered bi-mode rolling stock, as well as generating significant opportunities for the UK supply chain.'
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