GreenGasRefuel GCRE

To develop a feasibility methodology as a guidance document incorporating the innovative designs required to provide an integrated holistic refuelling station solution for energy-efficient rail vehicles operating on climate-friendly renewable gaseous fuels (such as biomethane and green hydrogen) in both urban and remote locations. This takes into account government policy for non-electrified lines which it anticipates will use renewable gas fuels, specifically hydrogen. As non-electrified lines currently account for 62% of the network and with new lines being reopened, it is anticipated that more than 60% of the network will require an alternative solution to electrification.

Pre Metro Operations Ltd (PMOL) is the only commercial operator in the UK which has been operating gas-powered railcars to provide a passenger service over the past 12 years at Stourbridge. At over 99% operating reliability, PMOL have achieved the highest reliability track record of any rail operator anywhere in the UK. This project will investigate transferring tried-and-tested, highly successful renewable gas refuelling and storage systems technology from the HGV sector to the more energy efficient rail industry. This technology transfer project from automotive to rail will represent a first-of-a-kind wholly renewable solution in the UK drawing on existing automotive refuelling systems and using Stourbridge as a case study leading to building a practical demonstration refuelling station utilising a revolutionary design of gas storage cylinders enhancing gas storage capacity by over 50% and as already envisaged at the GCRE site. This would form the basis of our project for the Stage 2 system build (RIRL 3), drawing on this TRL9 automotive technology.

The investigation as part of this Stage 1 study will incorporate the higher safety standards required by the rail industry. The feasibility study guidance will be produced to cover the design, construction, local sourcing and supply chains, operation and decommissioning of a universal green-gas refuelling station, addressing challenges to ensure an appropriate refuelling solution for any rail operator requiring gas as a fuel on non-electrified lines. Through the case study with PMOL, Phase 1 feasibility and Phase 2 build at GCRE, we will provide a business case for using this solution in a business environment, collecting customer feedback directly and considering the priorities of this current train operating company, in particular as the basis for the consideration of other franchise holders' operating on non-electrified lines.