Ballard's fuel cells to power hydrogen train in Scotland

Ballard Power Systems (TSE:BLD) has received an order to supply fuel cell modules for Scotland's first hydrogen-powered train, the Canadian fuel cell maker said this week.

The train will be demonstrated during COP26, taking place in Glasgow in November this year.

The order comes from UK hydrogen and fuel cell integration company Arcola Energy, which leads a consortium put together to create a deployment-ready platform for hydrogen-powered train development. The consortium, appointed by Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the Hydrogen Accelerator at the University of St. Andrews, will convert a Class 314 car passenger train provided by ScotRail.

"This project is an example of the growing global interest in fuel cells for the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Motive market, including rail applications, where heavy payload, long range and rapid refueling are key customer requirements," said Ballard's chief commercial officer Rob Campbell.

According to Arcola Energy's chief executive, Ben Todd "[h]ydrogen traction power offers a safe, reliable and zero-carbon alternative for Scotland's rail network."

The project supports Scotland's objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2035 and also seeks to create opportunities for the local rail supply chain.

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