Hydrogen locomotives soon in shunting yards?
The port of Duisburg (duisport), the German Aerospace Centre and the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology are working on a preliminary study for the development and commissioning of a hydrogen shunting locomotive. It is an important milestone in the long-term avoidance of greenhouse gases and expansion of environmentally friendly means of transport. EUR 185,000 are budgeted for the project.
2,700 diesel locomotives are currently still in active shunting service in Germany. Many of them were built before 1972, before the introduction of emission regulations, which has a negative impact on air quality, particularly at the point of use.
The preliminary study will examine the feasibility of retrofitting or building new locomotives and analyse requirements and possible solutions. (ben)