South Korea is taking an ambitious step with a vision of becoming a major player in the rapidly growing global hydrogen rail market. To 26,4 billion dollars The country that wants to gain a competitive advantage in this market that is expected to reach A self-developed Hydrogen Train by 2028 announced plans to introduce.
This strategic project is the national railway operator of South Korea korail will be managed by Korail, Building a two-car hydrogen train prototype by 2027 and creating the necessary legal and operational infrastructure for the dissemination of this technology. $23 million will make an investment. South Korean officials also clearly state that they aim to set international standards in the field of hydrogen-based mobility with this project.
Hydrogen Train: The Promise of High Efficiency and Long Range
The Hydrogen Train to be developed by South Korea is state-of-the-art fuel cell technology ve distributed traction system This way, the train will be able to travel 100 km per hour with a single hydrogen fill. 150 kilometers capable of reaching speeds and an impressive range More than 600 kilometers will be able to travel the distance. The train 1,2 MW It is expected to have a peak power output, which will provide high-performance operation.
One of the most important advantages of the hydrogen train will be its energy efficiency. According to the authorities, the energy efficiency of the hydrogen train is higher than that of the current diesel trains. twice as much In addition, hydrogen technology will currently cost around the same as standard double-track railway lines 18% of It will also completely eliminate the need for electrification, which creates a significant reduction in rail infrastructure costs, especially in long-distance and geographically challenging regions.
Hydrogen Train Technology Powered by Local Orders
South Korea’s belief and investment in hydrogen train technology is also supported by local orders. The country’s leading railway vehicle manufacturer Hyundai Rotem, from Daejeon city in 2024 34 H2 hydrogen powered trams The trams are scheduled to be delivered in phases from 2026 to 2028. This significant order accelerates South Korea’s transition to clean transportation systems and provides a concrete demonstration of local demand for hydrogen technology.
South Korea aims to become a global leader in hydrogen-powered rail transport through strategic investments and technological innovation. The planned development of the Hydrogen Train project represents a critical milestone in achieving this ambitious goal. The country’s commitment and investments in this area have the potential to make South Korea a major player in the sustainable transport systems of the future.
