Train leasing company Angel Trains has signed a partnership with the University of St Andrews to support an innovative project to develop a hydrogen train, that could change the face of rail travel as we know it.

Angel Trains is the UK’s largest rolling stock company, and last Friday 29 September an event was held at the University of St Andrews to mark a donation by Angel Trains to the university of a hydrogen electrolyser, which will form a vital part of the University’s ongoing, cutting-edge research into green hydrogen.

During the event, guests were able to tour the University’s Eden Campus and listen to how the electrolyser will contribute to its plans for the development of a Green Hydrogen Accelerator in a purpose-built innovation centre for research and development.

Angel Trains has also provided support to both the University and other industry partners, in delivering Scotland‘s first zero-emission hydrogen-powered train, which resulted from converting a three-car Class 314 electric train to be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain.

The key component in demonstrating how a green-energy fuel cycle would work was the electrolyser, and the success of the demonstration marked a major step in bringing hydrogen-powered trains into reality.

By setting out the foundations for the future of rail travel, the Zero Emissions project has marked a significant step forward for the rail industry’s aim to create cleaner transport and supporting its drive to achieve its target of net zero by 2045.

The conclusion of the event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at which industry professionals and government officials heard speeches from the CEO of Angel Trains Malcolm Brown, Dr Paul Webb, and Professor John Irvine of the University’s School of Chemistry on their vision for a greener future and how the University would use the electrolyser for future research.

This isn’t the first time that Angel Trains has made significant donations to outside bodies, as in the past it has offered redundant Pacer trains to heritage railways and emergency services, whilst it has also been innovative in trialling the use of train parts produced by 3D printing.

Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, said: “We continue to invest heavily in green hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and innovation, to help drive down operational costs and to make trains the cleanest and greenest mode of long-distance travel.

“The electrolyser offers the university a huge amount of learning for its students, which has real-world benefits, as well as giving them hands-on experience with sustainable travel solutions. We look forward to seeing the further benefits the electrolyser will bring to accelerate the decarbonisation of the rail industry.”

Professor John Irvine from the School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews added: “It’s wonderful to get the chance to thank Angel Trains for their generous contribution and celebrate the continued research this has allowed us to carry out.

“To ramp-up the deployment of zero emission technologies, it is imperative that we collaborate with commercial organisations who are making decisions about long-term assets. I’d like to commend Angel Trains for actively engaging with us in our efforts towards achieving a more sustainable rail sector”.