Zero-emission trains on non-electrified Czech railways

Several regional rail lines in Czechia, currently operated on diesel, were analysed by single-train simulation to calculate their energy demand. Techno-economical analyses were then applied to evaluate the overall equivalent annual cost of multiple zero-emission alternatives such as hydrogen, battery, catenary, or "simple electrification". 

The results show a marked dependence on context, especially on the availability of infrastructure, both in the form of pre-existing catenary and power grid. Lines with available sections of catenary enable battery trains, whereas longer non-electrified sections require hydrogen trains. 

Hydrogen trains have as expected higher operational cost for energy supply than battery versions, but are competitive with diesel. Battery operation, instead, can be disadvantaged by multiple line termini requiring significant charging infrastructure each. Further complications for battery trains are caused by the combination of AC and DC supply on the Czech rail network. 

The results show good agreement with the few publicly available data points, such as the hydrogen train deal between Alstom and Hesse for the operation of the Taunusbahn. An opportunity for better economy of hydrogen train would be the availability of low-cost by-product hydrogen from certain chemical processes.