Hi-tech ‘steam’ trains running on hydrogen will be in Britain ‘by 2022’

Trains which emit nothing more harmful than water will be running on British railways by 2022 – but don’t expect Thomas the Tank Engine.

The trains, run by French company Alstom, use hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity, producing clean, drinkable water.

Unlike diesel-powered trains, the trains don’t pollute, and can be recharged rapidly, in about two minutes.

French rail multinational Alstom and UK rolling stock operating company (ROSCO) Eversholt Rail Group unveiled a model based on the British Rail Class 321.

MORE: Brother of former US marine held in Russia urges UK government to ‘keep an eye’ on him
MORE: Starving seal pup found in back garden in village FOUR MILES from the sea

The trains, nicknamed ‘Breeze’, will be used in areas of the UK which still rely on diesel trains.

Andrew Jones MP, UK Rail Minister. said, ‘Hydrogen train technology is an exciting innovation which has the potential to transform our railway, making journeys cleaner and greener by cutting CO2 emissions even further.

‘We are working with industry to establish how hydrogen trains can play an important part in the future, delivering better services on rural and inter-urban routes.’