I READ M. Mitchell's letter 'Electrification downsides' (June 13), which raised a number of significant issues associated with the proposed electrification of the Oxenholme to Windermere Lakes rail line.
It now seems that a hydrogen powered train is likely to have testing on the rail network early in 2020.
I read the following online:
"Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (‘BCRRE’) today announce that the UK’s first hydrogen train, HydroFLEX, will be tested on the mainline railway following a successful proof-of-concept.
"The mainline testing of HydroFLEX marks an important step in the development of a zero-carbon emission propulsion system that could help to decarbonise Britain’s railway. The HydroFLEX pilot involves the fitment of a hydrogen powerpack to an existing Class 319 train, which would eventually allow it to run on conventional electrified routes as well as independently. This results in a highly flexible train that can operate on different parts of Britain’s rail network."
The statement in the article " ... on conventional electrified routes as well as independently" is ambiguous but I wonder whether this train could run on the Lakes line.
Wouldn't it be great to have such a green technology piloted on the railway line that passes through our village?
Maybe it would tempt more visitors to travel into the South Lakes by train, thus reducing the road traffic.
A cleaner, greener future. Yes please!
S. Harrison
Staveley
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