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Like a mirage rushing throughout the dusty desert exterior Pueblo, Colorado, the primary hydrogen-fuel-cell passenger prepare in america is getting warmed up on its check monitor. It would quickly be shipped to Southern California, the place it’s slated to hold riders on San Bernardino County’s Arrow commuter rail service earlier than the top of the 12 months.
The easiest way to decarbonize railroads is the topic of rising debate amongst regulators, business, and activists. The talk is partly technological, revolving round whether or not hydrogen gas cells, batteries, or overhead electrical wires provide the very best efficiency for various railroad conditions. But it surely’s additionally political: a query of the extent to which decarbonization can, or ought to, usher in a broader transformation of rail transportation.
Within the insular world of railroading, this hydrogen-powered prepare is a Rorschach check. To some, it represents the way forward for rail transportation. To others, it appears like an enormous, shiny distraction. Learn the total story.
—Benjamin Schneider
This story is for subscribers solely, and is from the following journal situation of MIT Expertise Assessment, set to go stay on April 24, on the theme of Construct. Should you don’t already, join now to get a duplicate when it lands.
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