The provincial government is pushing ahead with plans to explore the use of untested hydrogen train technology for a major expansion of GO Transit service. Last June the province made the surprise announcement that it would explore hydrogen rail technology, or “hydrail,” as a possible alternative to traditional overhead electrification for the RER program. Metrolinx considers the newer technology a form of electrification, because hydrogen fuel can be produced using only electricity and water. Hydrogen trains would have many potential advantages over traditional electrification, including lower set-up costs and minimal impact on the local environment, McGarry said. According to a Metrolinx summary, the feasibility study determined that the cost of building and operating a hydrogen rail system would be “equivalent” to traditional electrification.

Source: thestar February 22, 2018 22:30 UTC