Network Rail, working with Freightliner and GeoPura, has transported hydrogen by rail for the first time in Britain, marking a significant step toward a cleaner, more flexible energy and transport system.
The milestone took place on 3 December at Network Rail’s Test Tracks site in Tuxford. A Freightliner-operated service hauled hydrogen gas containers from Doncaster to High Marnham, making it the first hydrogen shipment by rail on the national network.
The move formed part of a wider innovation showcase featuring several hydrogen technologies, including Britain’s first re-engineered hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive and hydrogen-fuelled generators, lighting towers and support vehicles.
Test Tracks sits alongside HyMarnham Power, the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility. The site – once a coal-fired power station – is now a rail-connected hub for clean fuel, while Network Rail plans for Tuxford to become the world’s first net-zero railway testing facility.
At present, hydrogen is moved by road. Demonstrating its movement by rail opens the door to using the national network as a “rolling pipeline”, with the potential to distribute clean fuel to cities and key industrial centres across the country. The trial also supports hydrogen’s future role in decarbonising rail operations, from construction and maintenance to off-grid activities.
Leevan Finney, Network Rail’s engineering services director, said:
“Rail is the greenest form of long-distance transport, and we, as an industry, are working hard to decarbonise transport and achieve net zero. For 200 years the railway has connected communities and major industry across Britain. Today, the railway has the potential to be a strategic hydrogen distribution network in the future, as it has been for energy for many years.”
Dave Penney, managing director for rail services and heavy haul at Freightliner, said:
“Freightliner is proud to be the first Freight Operating Company to transport hydrogen on the rail network. Rail is already the most sustainable choice for long-distance freight, producing 76% fewer carbon emissions compared to diesel road transport.”
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, added:
“Hydrogen has a vital role in removing diesel from Britain’s rail network, providing zero-emission power where electrification alone cannot reach. By supplying locally produced green hydrogen from HyMarnham Power to this first-of-its-kind rail application, we’re showing that clean fuel, proven technology and existing rail infrastructure work together right now to cut carbon and improve air quality across the network.”
The event brought together partners from across the rail and energy sectors, including HyMarnham Power, Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, Enspired Consulting, Rail Operations Group, Toyota UK and JCB.
Photo credit: Chris Milner/Network Rail
