Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department plans to introduce hydrogen-powered emission-free trains.

The Department has made clear it is looking to the rail industry for innovation in considering the use of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, in the future.

We are aware that Alstom are working with Eversholt on the conversion of class 321 units to bi-modes using hydrogen fuel cells in the UK. Also, Porterbrook have entered into a partnership with the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (‘BCRRE’) to create HydroFlex where Porterbrook will provide a ‘Class 319’ electric unit to BCRRE for conversion into a hydrogen powered train. The introduction of these trains into service will depend on both a positive business case and on the regulatory approvals being given.