Network Rail leads Britain’s first ever hydrogen delivery by rail

Network Rail has completed the first hydrogen delivery by rail in Britain, describing the achievement as a major breakthrough for rail freight and clean-energy distribution. On Wednesday 3 December, Freightliner carried containers of hydrogen from Doncaster to High Marnham and delivered them to Network Rail’s Test Tracks site in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire.

The delivery provides the first successful demonstration that rail can safely move hydrogen, a fuel previously transported only by road, using existing infrastructure. Industry leaders say the achievement could pave the way for rail to become a national clean-fuel distribution network, supplying industrial clusters and urban centres more efficiently.

Freightliner, which hauled the train, said the move highlights rail’s ability to handle specialist and hazardous cargoes safely, while reinforcing rail’s strong carbon advantage over long-distance road haulage.

The demonstration formed part of a wider showcase of hydrogen innovation, featuring the first re-engineered hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive and hydrogen-powered generators, lighting towers and support vehicles. These products illustrate how hydrogen could power day-to-day rail operations, including maintenance work, construction activity and off-grid infrastructure projects.

Accelerating Britain’s journey to net zero

Explaining the significance, Leevan Finney, Network Rail’s engineering services director, said: “Rail is the greenest form of long-distance transport, and we, as an industry, are working hard to decarbonise transport and achieve net zero. For 200 years the railway has connected communities and major industry across Britain. Today, the railway has the potential to be a strategic hydrogen distribution network in the future, as it has been for energy for many years.”

He added: “By bringing together rail and energy innovators here at Test Tracks in Tuxford, we’re accelerating Britain’s journey to net zero and showing how rail and energy sectors can work together to deliver sustainable transport and energy distribution.”

Hydrogen for the trial journey was supplied by HyMarnham Power, Britain’s largest green hydrogen production facility operated by GeoPura and JG Pears. Located alongside the Test Tracks site, it represents one of the world’s first rail-connected hydrogen generation hubs.

Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, said: “Hydrogen has a vital role in removing diesel from Britain’s rail network, providing zero-emission power where electrification alone cannot reach. Excitingly, we’re also showing that the rail network is a great way of transporting clean fuel to connected customers who can’t get the power they need from the traditional distribution grid.”

Cunningham concluded that the trial shows “clean fuel, proven technology and existing rail infrastructure work together right now to cut carbon and improve air quality across the network.”