A swath of Asian governments is trying to get ahead of the curve on hydrogen-powered transport. While the technology is years or even decades away from commercial success, its potential as a sustainable energy source has countries like India, Japan, China, and South Korea working to establish programs to try it out.
India launched its first hydrogen-powered train in July and envisions running 35 hydrogen trains under its "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative by 2023. The Indian government's goal is not only to reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also to become a global hub for the production, usage, and export of hydrogen.
East Japan Railway plans to put its hydrogen-hybrid train, HYBARI, into service by the end of fiscal 2027, while South Korea is investing 32.1 billion won in a hydrogen train demonstration project.
China has also made advances in hydrogen rail, and hydrogen-powered trains should be viewed as part of a broader hydrogen market development strategy.
