Network Rail, in collaboration with Freightliner and energy partner GeoPura, has achieved a historic first: transporting hydrogen by rail on Britain’s network. This breakthrough marks a significant step forward for both the rail and energy sectors in their drive toward net zero.
The milestone was reached this week at Network Rail’s Test Tracks site in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire. Freight operator Freightliner hauled a train of gas containers from Doncaster to High Marnham, making this Britain’s first-ever hydrogen shipment by rail.
The move formed part of a rail and energy industry innovation event, highlighting several hydrogen initiatives. Among the highlights:
- The first re-engineered hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive, seen as a key step toward replacing diesel traction.
- Demonstrations of HPU hydrogen-powered generators, lighting towers, and support vehicles, showcasing practical applications for off-grid rail operations.
Network Rail’s Tuxford site connects directly to HyMarnham Power, the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility operated by GeoPura and JG Pears. Built on the site of a former coal-fired power station, HyMarnham Power is one of the world’s first rail-connected hydrogen production facilities. Meanwhile, Tuxford’s Test Tracks are set to become the world’s first net-zero railway testing facility.
Currently, hydrogen is transported by road. This trial demonstrates rail’s potential as a rolling pipeline, capable of distributing hydrogen at scale to major industrial and urban centres across Britain. Beyond freight, hydrogen will also support decarbonisation across rail operations—from construction to maintenance and off-grid power.
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.
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.”
Dave Penney, Managing Director, Rail Services & Heavy Haul at Freightliner, added:
"Today's event at Tuxford Test Tracks highlights the significant opportunities rail offers for the UK's future. Freightliner is proud to be the first Freight Operating Company to transport hydrogen on the rail network. Leveraging our extensive expertise, we safely and securely move a wide range of bulk materials and hazardous goods for our customers.
Rail is already the most sustainable choice for long-distance freight, producing 76% fewer carbon emissions compared to diesel road transport."
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, commented:
"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.
By supplying locally produced green hydrogen from HyMarnham Power to this first-of-its-kind rail application, we're showing that clean fuel, proven technology and existing rail infrastructure work together right now to cut carbon and improve air quality across the network.”
The event was delivered in partnership with leading organisations from rail and energy, including Freightliner, HyMarnham Power, GeoPura, Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, Enspired Consulting, Rail Operations Group, Toyota UK and JCB.
Test Tracks are the longest railway testing facilities in Europe, with over 40 miles (62 kilometres) of track across two diverse sites – Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire and Tuxford in Nottinghamshire.
Image credits: Network Rail
