LONDON — Advanced Hydrogen Technologies (AHT) Group’s hydrogen generator technology has demonstrated significant environmental and operational improvements during a recent trial on a UK Class 08 locomotive. The trial, conducted in collaboration with the Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC), showed a notable reduction in emissions and an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency, advancing the railway sector’s efforts toward cleaner and more sustainable operations.
The trial involved the integration of AHT’s Engine Carbon Clean system into the locomotive’s engine. This system uses auxiliary power to split water into hydrogen, which is then injected into the engine. The hydrogen serves as a cleaning agent, helping to remove carbon deposits and boost engine performance.
The results of the trial highlighted several key environmental benefits:
- A reduction of 8% in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
- A 27% decrease in carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.
- A 39% reduction in formaldehyde emissions.
- A 22% decrease in nitric oxide (NO) emissions and a 12% drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions.
- A 20% reduction in heavy particulates.
In addition to these reductions, the trial also achieved an 8% fuel saving compared to baseline measures, demonstrating the dual benefits of this technology: both environmental and economic.
Beyond the hydrogen generator, HNRC is exploring other technologies to further reduce emissions, including catalytic converters, fuel preheaters using waste radiator energy, and alternative fuels such as vegetable oil-based diesel.
Ben Kattenhorn, CEO of AHT, underscored the significance of the trial’s results, emphasizing that the technology not only contributes to immediate emissions reductions but also offers long-term benefits. “Rail is one of the sectors under most scrutiny, but our Engine Carbon Clean and Capture system offers an immediate solution that restores engine efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, extends asset life, and aligns with the new environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements,” Kattenhorn said. “The figures get even better over time — a recent 18-month study on heavy goods vehicles showed a reduction of over 91% in the worst emissions and particulates.”
Marcus Mayers, a member of HNRC, echoed the importance of the trial’s findings, noting that the data gathered will be pivotal in shaping future investments. “This trial was the ideal opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of hydrogen and address the challenges of measuring its impact. Access to AHT’s specialist technology and the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation’s (BCIMO) testing facilities has provided us with the data needed to make a proven business case for upgrading our locomotives.”
As the railway industry faces increasing pressure to meet environmental targets, the successful trial of AHT’s hydrogen generator technology presents a promising step toward cleaner, more efficient rail operations.
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