The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 7th that it has begun a demonstration project for eco-friendly hydrogen trains with the goal of commercialization by 2028.
The ministry is promoting a research and development (R&D) project to establish hydrogen infrastructure on existing tracks and conduct test operations of hydrogen trains. This project aims to secure the technological capability and global competitiveness of K-hydrogen trains and to establish a technological and institutional foundation for early commercialization.
Initially, it plans to produce a two-car commuter hydrogen-electric train with an output of 1.2 megawatts (㎿), a maximum speed of 150 kilometers per hour (design speed 165 kilometers), and a single-charge travel distance of over 600 kilometers by 2027. After that, it will push for test operations on the demonstration route after passing safety verifications such as type approval.
Essential infrastructure, including hydrogen charging stations and vehicle maintenance facilities, will also be established on non-electrified routes. This will verify the performance and suitability of the operating facilities while preparing technical standards and operational management regulations in anticipation of commercialization.
Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) will participate as the leading organization in the project, with a total of 32.1 billion won being invested by 2027. The government will contribute 20 billion won, KORAIL will bear 660 million won, and the train manufacturer WOOJIN will cover 9.86 billion won.
The hydrogen train produces electricity by supplying stored hydrogen to a fuel cell and uses it to drive electric motors. It can operate in areas where electrification is difficult, greatly improving railway accessibility. It is capable of bidirectional operation, has more than twice the energy efficiency of diesel trains, and produces no carbon emissions, making it a noteworthy eco-friendly transportation method.
According to the ministry, the fuel cost for diesel trains reaches 3,548 won per kilometer and emits greenhouse gases and fine dust, while the hydrogen train has a lower fuel cost of 1,107 won and its only byproduct is water.
The ministry explained that the global market for hydrogen trains, which has distinct advantages, is expected to grow from approximately 3.7 trillion won (about $2.67 billion) this year at an annual growth rate of over 25%, reaching 36.6 trillion won (about $26.4 billion) by 2035. Currently, countries around the world are hastening the commercialization of hydrogen trains. Germany began commercial operations for the first time in the world in September 2018, and the United States, Japan, China, and Canada are also conducting test operations.
On the 8th, the ministry will hold a kickoff meeting for this demonstration project at the KORAIL office in Daejeon to review detailed plans. Jeong Ui-gyeong, Director of Railway Safety Policy at the ministry, noted that "We will commercialize the K-hydrogen train with world-class technology early to dominate the global market and establish it as a new growth engine for the future railway industry," and emphasized, "By replacing aging diesel trains, it will invigorate related industries such as hydrogen train components and infrastructure and contribute to the expansion of the hydrogen mobility industry ecosystem."