Trials of GCC's first hydrogen train from next week

Muscat: The first hydrogen train in the Middle East will begin trials next week, the Saudi Arabian Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, said on Sunday

"It will be on trial for next week, hopefully for the next few months. We will have the first hydrogen train in the Middle East," the minister said.

Saudi Arabia has entered into an agreement with its French partner to commence testing for its ambitious hydrogen train project.

In September 2022, Saudi Arabia Railways inked a memorandum of understanding with the French rail transportation giant Alstom to develop hydrogen train solutions tailored for the Kingdom.

As per the Saudi Press Agency, both entities will embark on operational experiments and studies to assess the trains’ compatibility with the environment, setting the stage for their future deployment.

Saudi Arabia Railways has underscored that these trains represent a pioneering initiative in the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to adopting sustainable transportation technologies.

Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser told the SPA that this step is an outcome of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services. He emphasized SAR’s continuous transformation into a more sustainable transportation system driven by the latest technologies.

Al-Jasser further said that the Saudi railway company is committed to achieving the Saudi Green Initiative, as envisioned in Saudi Vision 2030. This initiative encompasses reducing carbon emissions, increasing reliance on clean energy, and protecting the environment.

According to SAR CEO, Bashar bin Khaled Al-Malik, the hydrogen train stands as one of the most pivotal innovations in modern sustainable transport.

The ability to generate the energy required for train operation without emitting carbon holds a set of advantages, making it an attractive option for sustainable energy. Moreover, its environmental, economic, and generational benefits make it a promising option for the future.

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