Japan pushes for hydrogen trains on local lines, revamping safety rules

TOKYO -- Japan is moving to replace diesel trains operating on lines in outlying areas with hydrogen-powered ones, aiming to create unified safety standards to help decarbonize the railway sector.

Hydrogen fuel cells will act as the main power source for the trains. The cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen, supplied from tanks installed on train roofs, and oxygen in the air. Carbon dioxide is not emitted during the process.