Hexagon Purus to supply composite pressure vessels for U.S. hydrogen-powered commuter train

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Hexagon Purus GmbH (Kassel, Germany) announced on Nov. 6 that it has signed a contract with Stadler Rail in Switzerland to develop a cylinder storage system for what it says is the first hydrogen commuter train in the U.S. Hexagon Purus will apply its all-composite Type IV pressure vessel technology for this project.

Further, contract includes the development and homologation (granting of approval) of a new cylinder and tank system to be approved in the U.S. The train will be built and tested in Switzerland and other European locations, then transferred to California in 2023.

“In the midst of the climate crisis, the demand for solutions that help reduce emissions across transport industries is growing rapidly. Hydrogen-powered trains are a smart solution to reduce local emissions without incurring the high cost of electrifying the tracks,” says Michael Kleschinski, executive VP of Hexagon Purus. “We are pleased to help with the further development of the infrastructure need for this ground-breaking move in public transit.”

This contract represents the second hydrogen rail project that Hexagon Purus has supported since the introduction of the world’s first hydrogen-powered commuter train in 2018.

Hexagon Purus’ storage system is due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021.