Techno-economic modeling framework to assess the feasibility of hydrogen-powered trains on non-electrified routes

The global transportation sector is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact, particularly greenhouse gas emissions. Rail transport is exploring innovative technologies to improve sustainability and reduce local pollution. This paper investigates the integration of fuel cell and battery technologies in hybrid fuel cell trains as a solution to decarbonize non-electrified routes. A model is developed to estimate hydrogen consumption, essential for operational planning and efficiency evaluation, alongside other key performance indicators. A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO, €/km) analysis is carried out to assess the economic viability compared to conventional diesel and electric trains. Additionally, an optimization approach is implemented to design the fuel cell and the battery sizes, with the goal of minimizing the TCO. The model is applied to a 103 km railway in northern Italy – the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo line – currently operating diesel trains, with plans to adopt fuel cell technology. Results show a hydrogen consumption of about 0.38 kg/km under beginning-of-life conditions, reducing fuel use by 46 % compared to diesel. Although the TCO of the hybrid fuel cell trains is currently higher than diesel multiple unit trains (+6 %), the analysis confirms the potential of hydrogen for regional rail where line electrification is not economically viable. • Hydrogen enables decarbonization of long, non-electrified railways with tough terrain. • Comprehensive TCO analysis compares hydrogen, diesel, and electric train options. • HMU trains cut energy use and emissions by integrating fuel cells and batteries. • HMU competitiveness improves as diesel prices rise and hydrogen costs decline.