Saudi Arabia tests hydrogen trains
The move is part of the Kingdom’s objectives to move into more sustainable transportation
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched hydrogen train tests in the Kingdom, following the signing of an agreement with Alstom. It will conduct the operational tests and studies necessary for preparing the train for the extremes of the Kingdom’s environment, in readiness for future entry into service.
The early works are in compliance with the memorandum of understanding signed by the Ministry of Energy and SAR, on 20 January 2022.
Trials started this October, and SAR emphasised that such trains are the first to be used in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Minister of Transportation & Logistics and SAR Chairman, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, said the step is part of the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and wider plans to move to a more sustainable transport system that adopts the latest smart technologies.
He added that SAR is committed to its leading role in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative, stemming from the Saudi Vision 2030, which stipulates increasing the Kingdom’s reliance on clean energy, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
SAR CEO, Dr Bashar Al-Malik, commented on the company’s commitment to implementing initiatives that align with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, noting that the hydrogen train is one of the most important innovations in sustainable transport – since the energy needed for the operation and movement of these trains is generated without emitting carbon.
The certified trials of hydrogen trains began in 2018 in Germany and continued until 2020. Commercial operations, limited to passenger transport, then commenced in 2022.
