Network Rail, alongside Freightliner and GeoPura, has successfully transported hydrogen by rail for the first time in Britain, marking a significant milestone for the rail and energy sectors.

The achievement took place yesterday (Wednesday 3 December) at Network Rail’s Test Tracks site in Tuxford. Freightliner hauled a train of gas containers from Doncaster to High Marnham, representing the country’s first shipment of hydrogen via the rail network.

The demonstration was part of a rail and energy industry innovation event, which also showcased other hydrogen initiatives. Among them was the first re-engineered hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive, a step towards replacing diesel engines, as well as demonstrations of HPU hydrogen-powered generators, lighting towers, and support vehicles.

Network Rail’s Tuxford site, which extends to High Marnham, sits adjacent to HyMarnham Power, the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility operated by GeoPura and JG Pears. Built on the site of a former coal-fired power station, HyMarnham Power is one of the world’s first rail-connected hydrogen production facilities. The Tuxford Test Tracks site will become the world’s first net-zero railway testing facility.

Currently, hydrogen is transported by road. This rail demonstration highlights the potential for the network to serve as a “rolling pipeline,” connecting major industrial and urban centres across Britain, and supporting the decarbonisation of rail operations from construction to maintenance and off-grid work.

Dave Penney, Managing Director of Freightliner Heavy Haul & Rail Services, said:

"Today's event at Tuxford Test Tracks highlights the significant opportunities rail offers for the UK's future. Freightliner is proud to be the first Freight Operating Company to transport hydrogen on the rail network. Leveraging our extensive expertise, we safely and securely move a wide range of bulk materials and hazardous goods for our customers. Rail is already the most sustainable choice for long-distance freight, producing 76% fewer carbon emissions compared to diesel road transport."

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. The railway has the potential to be a strategic hydrogen distribution network in the future, as it has been for energy for many years. By bringing together rail and energy innovators here at Test Tracks in Tuxford, we’re accelerating Britain’s journey to net zero and showing how rail and energy sectors can work together to deliver sustainable transport and energy distribution.”

Andrew Cunningham, CEO, GeoPura, said:

“Hydrogen has a vital role in removing diesel from Britain’s rail network, providing zero-emission power where electrification alone cannot reach. Excitingly, we’re also showing that the rail network is a great way of transporting clean fuel to connected customers who can’t get the power they need from the traditional distribution grid. 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. GeoPura is delighted to support Network Rail and its partners as they show what the future of a net-zero railway looks like in practice.”

The Tuxford event was delivered in partnership with organisations across the rail and energy sectors, including Freightliner, HyMarnham Power, GeoPura, Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, Enspired Consulting, Rail Operations Group, Toyota UK, and JCB.

Image: Freightliner