• skymtf
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    1 year ago

    Is the infrastructure for hydrogen cheaper than placing powelines along the tracks?

    • MrMakabar@slrpnk.net
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      1 year ago

      Hydrogen station in San Diego cots $700-800k, so propably. However hydrogen costs a lot more then electricity, so operating the trains will be significantly more expensive.

      • skymtf
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        1 year ago

        Yeah I kinda thought so, I know usually the simplist solution is usually the best. I wonder why they went with hydrogen. Was money involved in this decision?

        • MrMakabar@slrpnk.net
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          1 year ago

          The trains will mainly run between Merced and Sacramento on Union Pacific track. That route is part of the second phase of California hsr, so after the LA - San Fransico part is built. For that the relativly cheap hydrogen infrastructure is propably cheaper, at least for three round trips per day right now. Long term it will be built properly.

  • AA5B@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    We should consider that here in Boston as well. Every time the T talks about electrifying the commuter lines, it quickly turns into decades and too many billions of dollars. Maybe hydrogen trains would let us step away from diesel

    • Phegan@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Honestly. Id be happy with them correctly funding the T and having it function first. Id love for a more eco friendly train system, but a functional system will reduce the number of drivers.

      With that said. Hydrogen would be great, as would electric.