Project number: 2022-STN-007

An overview of key issues for using hydrogen on the railway

The project published resources on the RSSB website. These include a hydrogen system definition, a bowtie model, and an updated policy and standards review. This information helps the industry adopt hydrogen traction more quickly if it chooses to.

'The work published by RSSB is valuable as a starting point for industry.'

Tom Wild
Senior Engineer, Eversholt Rail

The challenge

Industry asked RSSB to review hydrogen risks in four areas.

They wanted to know if current standards cover hydrogen systems and if safety rules from other sectors could apply to rail. They also requested clarity on current laws and to develop an understanding of the risk of hydrogen use in rail.

What we did

This project builds on earlier work from RSSB research project T1172 Hydrogen Powered Trains: Route to Enter into Service.

It improves risk understanding, defines system boundaries, and explores how laws and standards could support using hydrogen on railways.

The hydrogen train bowtie model is a basis for future work on hydrogen train safety. It aids understanding of the use of hydrogen and its risks in rail and informs conversation between interested parties.

Benefits delivered

Publishing these resources will cut the cost and time required for hydrogen fuelled trains to enter service.

These benefits will be realised by using the bowtie model to manage risks of hydrogen leaks and by making it easier to comply with laws and standards.